Advancing Knowledge Translation Through Cultural Adaptation of an Intervention for Latino Family Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia Using Participatory Action Research

Aim: The aim of this study is to culturally adapt an evidence-based intervention for Latino family caregivers of persons living with dementia. Background: Despite the availability of evidence-based interventions for family caregivers, Latino caregivers have limited access to culturally relevant interventions. Design: Qualitative descriptive using a participatory action research approach. Methods: In 2022, an Advisory Council, comprising Latino family caregivers, was convened to partner with researchers to review and make expert recommendations about cultural adaptations to a caregiver intervention. They also guided the semi-structured interviews conducted with Latino family caregivers to learn more about culture and caregiving. Data from the interviews were analysed using content analysis. Triangulation of data from the Advisory Council and the semi-structured interviews was used to identify adaptations to the intervention that would increase its cultural relevance. Results: Three changes to the intervention content were determined from the different sources of data. The first change was to enhance content about dementia as a medical condition and not just a function of aging. Secondly, given the strong belief among Latinos of their duty to provide care to their elders, a second change was to strengthen the content on self-care. Finally, given the lower prevalence among Latinos of utilizing palliative care resources, we enriched the information about transitional care resources and their access. Conclusion: Initially and successfully targeting a specific minority, this study advances the field of knowledge translation by increasing accessibility of an evidence-based intervention with content that is likely to be relevant for caregivers more widely.