Abstract
Increasingly, policy and research attention is being directed toward improving global health in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigated the cultural adaptation of a UK-designed and developed evidence-based mass media campaign with the aim of improving colorectal cancer and breast cancer awareness in Malaysia. Guided by the heuristic framework of cultural adaptation, a multidisciplinary team adapted the UK Be Cancer Aware programme for implementation in the Malaysian context. The approach included five steps: (a) information gathering and needs assessment; (b) preliminary design; (c) preliminary testing; (d) refinement; and (e) final trial. Key findings from the information gathering stage related to the need to take into account differences in ethnicity, religion, and beliefs about cancer. Discussions with experts indicated that particular words were not acceptable in Malay culture and that specific aspects were "taboo" (e.g., showing pictures of breasts in relation to breast cancer on TV). Stage 3 of the analysis revealed that the presentation of cancer survivors rather than health professionals on programme materials was preferred by Malaysians and that there was a poor level of awareness about colorectal cancer. The results were used systematically to adapt two culturally suitable cancer awareness mass media campaigns for implementation in Malaysia. The developed materials were in line with government priorities and took into account the local health care system structure. The establishment of a partnership with key stakeholders (e.g., the Ministry of Health and the lead patient advocacy organization) and the application of a systematic approach to address cultural factors and resource constraints contribute to the successful implementation of public health programmes in global health settings.
Highlights
Cultural adaptation is an important process in implementation science in recognition of the often neglected role of context and, so, the process focuses explicitly on the cultural context of translating an intervention for delivery and uptake by a new target population [1]
This study investigated the cultural adaptation of a UK-designed and developed evidence-based mass media campaign with the aim of improving colorectal cancer and breast cancer awareness in Malaysia
Stage 3 of the analysis revealed that the presentation of cancer survivors rather than health professionals on programme materials was preferred by Malaysians and that there was a poor level of awareness about colorectal cancer
Summary
Cultural adaptation is an important process in implementation science in recognition of the often neglected role of context and, so, the process focuses explicitly on the cultural context of translating an intervention for delivery and uptake by a new target population [1]. Policy: Adaptation of an evidence-based programme facilitates the time-efficient implementation and delivery of urgently needed public health interventions in resource-poor settings. Research: Cultural appreciation and adaptation is a key investigative activity in the successful implementation of public health programmes and should follow rigorous implementation and evaluation processes. The various frameworks were used to develop a consensus approach to the stages of cultural adaptation by Barrera et al [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
