Cultural adaptation in translational research: field experiences.
The increase in the incidence of HIV/AIDS among minorities in the United States and in certain developing nations has prompted new intervention priorities, stressing the adaptation of efficacious interventions for diverse and marginalized groups. The experiences of Florida International University's AIDS Prevention Program in translating HIV primary and secondary prevention interventions among these multicultural populations provide insight into the process of cultural adaptations and address the new scientific emphasis on ecological validity. An iterative process involving forward and backward translation, a cultural linguistic committee, focus group discussions, documentation of project procedures, and consultations with other researchers in the field was used to modify interventions. This article presents strategies used to ensure fidelity in implementing the efficacious core components of evidence-based interventions for reducing HIV transmission and drug use behaviors and the challenges posed by making cultural adaptation for participants with low literacy. This experience demonstrates the importance of integrating culturally relevant material in the translation process with intense focus on language and nuance. The process must ensure that the level of intervention is appropriate for the educational level of participants. Furthermore, the rights of participants must be protected during consenting procedures by instituting policies that recognize the socioeconomic, educational, and systemic pressures to participate in research.
Dévieux
Jessy G
JG
Florida International University, AIDS Prevention Program, College of Health and Urban Affairs/Public Health, North Miami, Florida 33136, USA. devieuxj@fiu.edu
Malow
Robert M
RM
Rosenberg
Rhonda
R
Jean-Gilles
Michèle
M
Samuels
Deanne
D
Ergon-Pérez
Emma
E
Jacobs
Robin
R
D001741:Black or African American / Q000193:education*; D035841:Behavioral Research; D003469:Culture; D004522:Educational Status; D005431:Florida; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D016730:Program Development; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012581:Schools, Public Health; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014175:Translating