UTILIZING BOOT CAMP TRANSLATION TO ENCOURAGE HISPANIC/LATINX PARTICIPATION IN ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

Abstract

Abstract Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) individuals are 50% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD), relative to non-Hispanic whites. Despite higher prevalence rates and earlier age of onset, H/L individuals are underrepresented in aging and AD research. The Engaging Communities of Hispanics for Aging Research (ECHAR) Network is an interdisciplinary, multi-site project that aims to address these disparities. ECHAR uses Boot Camp Translation (BCT), a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach that partners research faculty and medical experts with community stakeholders to translate medical jargon into action-based, locally-relevant messages. Researchers at University of Nevada, Las Vegas recruited 14 community members to participate in an AD-specific BCT. The process was completed between June 2021 through January 2022 to identify: 1) key messages, 2) target audience(s), and 3) dissemination strategies. BCT members identified three messages to reflect community concerns and highlight values: 1) “Amar es saber” (“To love is to know”), which acknowledges the importance of family and addresses cultural norms that may discourage disease conversations; 2) “The community cares. Let’s talk.”; and 3) "Podemos afrontar el Alzheimer juntos." (”We can face Alzheimer’s disease together.”). Target audiences include younger and middle-age adults who may be or become caregivers and local non-profit and community organizations. Members identified social media, community education events, community influencers, and educational products as dissemination strategies. BCT is an effective tool for engaging local communities and exploring Hispanic/Latinx beliefs and attitudes toward AD. It leverages community member expertise to create meaningful, tailored, and culturally-relevant messages that address health disparities and encourage action.