Local Adaptations to Implement the Strengthening Families Program in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Local adaptations can promote user engagement and sustainability in the preventive program. The objective of this study is to evaluate local adaptations of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) (10-14) for Brazilian families. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews of 42 facilitators who implemented the program. The directed content analysis was the analysis method used. The findings revealed that most facilitators did not make any additions (83.3%), while 50% reported discarding activities, largely due to the lack of time (31.6%). Adaptations were made by 73.2% of the interviewees, which most commonly (32%) addressed examples and linguistic features. Suggestions were made by 58.94% of the interviewees and focused on improving the support systems and delivery of the intervention, as well as the intervention itself to customize it to the socioeconomic and educational conditions of the target group. It was concluded that adaptations to the SFP (10-14) materials and procedures, and improvements in political support and organizational capacity are needed for its implementation.