JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In the United States, Latino caregivers of individuals with dementia face unique challenges and an elevated risk of adverse health outcomes. Despite the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among Latino adults, few evidence-based interventions are tailored to their cultural context. To address this gap, we examined the cultural adaptations required for the STAR-C virtual intervention, an evidence-based intervention that educates family caregivers to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. While STAR-C has shown effectiveness, neither the original in-person nor the virtual intervention considered the distinct experiences of Latino caregivers, who often bring culturally significant values into caregiving interactions.

Objective:

The study objective was to test and refine the preliminary cultural adaptations of the STAR-C online training modules for Latino caregivers of people living with dementia.

Methods:

Through qualitative interviews with 15 Latino caregivers in Washington State, we identified key adaptations to enhance the cultural relevance of the online training modules.

Results:

The interviews highlighted four main themes for adaptation: the delivery of the STAR-C online training modules, comprehensive dementia education, simplified problem-solving strategies, and prioritizing caregiver well-being.

Conclusions:

The study's findings informed the development of culturally adapted STAR-C online training modules that aim to provide tailored support to Latino caregivers. While further research is needed to assess the efficacy of these adaptations, our work contributes to bridging the gap in dementia caregiving for Latino families, potentially reducing health disparities and enhancing healthcare services for this population.