title: Culturally specific adaptation of a prevention intervention: an international collaborative research project.
abstract: This study adapted a U.S. drug use prevention program for use with Russian at-risk adolescents, and explored directions for further development of programs addressing prevention of substance abuse and other health risk behaviors including risk of HIV infection. The adaptation process was conducted in phases, initially carried out in Seattle with 23 bilingual (English-Russian) youth and then further adapted in two Moscow schools with 44 "typical" youth. In the final phase, program adaptation for the Russian at-risk adolescents was achieved by conducting a pilot test of the adapted program lessons with Moscow at-risk adolescents (n=10), who met criteria of poor school performance and/or truancy. Observations and experience were used throughout to adapt and refine the program for at-risk youth. Modifications were made to represent more accurately colloquial Russian and to capture teen experiences common to Russian culture. Both U.S. and Russian youth characterized the lessons as engaging and valuable. They also expressed a need to learn about sexuality, drug use, and health; peer and romantic relationships; and problem-solving strategies.
authors.affiliation: Reconnecting Youth Prevention Research Program, Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, University of Washington School of Nursing, 9709 3rd Avenue, NE, Suite 510, Seattle, WA, 98115, USA. tsarouk@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Tatiana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tsarouk
authors.forename: Elaine A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Jerald R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Herting
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Brooke
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Randell
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008297:Male; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012426:Russia / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*