Abstract IA040: Promoting engagement of evidence-based interventions for Latinos: Cultural adaptation of an online intervention for Latina breast cancer survivors and their partners

Abstract

Abstract Although public health emphasizes the use of evidence-based interventions (EBIs), often they are not developed with diverse populations in mind, limiting engagement and cultural relevance. This presentation discusses the cultural adaptation of EBIs for Latinos using the adaptation of the online OurRelationship couple's intervention for Latina breast cancer survivors and their partners as a case example. The study used systematic, iterative, and community-engaged approaches, including formative research and patient-centered verification techniques, with ongoing feedback from the community advisory board. Adaptations went beyond translation, aiming for conceptual equivalence. The adapted program – Juntos Despues Del Cancer (JDC) - incorporated cancer-related stressors, coping techniques, social, cultural, and gender norms influencing couples' communication within the context of cancer survivorship. JDC maintained the integrity of OurRelationship while acknowledging the lived experience of Latino couples affected by breast cancer. Lessons learned include navigating fidelity versus fit tensions, focusing on conceptual translations, and recognizing Latino heterogeneity. The online nature of JDC allows for accessibility and nationwide availability. This cultural adaptation approach has broad applications, advancing public health practice and making EBIs more accessible to a diverse audience. Citation Format: Dinorah (Dina) Martinez Tyson, Melody Chavez, Gabriela Sanabria, Sejal Barden, Marangelie Velez, Erik Ruiz, Brian Doss. Promoting engagement of evidence-based interventions for Latinos: Cultural adaptation of an online intervention for Latina breast cancer survivors and their partners [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr IA040.