JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Despite facing significant health disparities and higher risk of dementia, culturally adapted interventions to improve brain health in the Latino population are limited.

Objective:

To culturally adapt a physical activity (PA) intervention for the older and middle-aged Latino community based on participant and community feedback gathered during a short pre/post pilot study.

Methods:

The cultural adaptation process involved translation of materials, community advisory board (CAB) review, and a pre-post pilot followed by focus groups and thematic analysis to inform the larger trial. Pilot intervention tools included using a Fitbit tracker and two phone calls to set individualized goals with a health coach. Feasibility and acceptability data, both qualitative and quantitative, were collected.

Results:

Ten Latino volunteers (mean age = 67.2, 90% female, 90% Spanish-speaking) completed the pre-post study and nine attended the focus groups. Completion rate was 100%, recruitment rate was 50%, and the threshold for acceptability was met, with all participants rating agree or strongly agree on the study satisfaction survey. Participants favored group activities and more interaction with the study team. Identified barriers included time constraints, health issues, and weather, while awareness of PA's cognitive benefits, accountability, self-efficacy, enjoyable activities, social support, and Fitbit use were seen as facilitators.

Conclusions:

Feedback from participants and the CAB was key in culturally adapting the intervention. This pilot work will inform a larger randomized controlled trial to reduce dementia risk in Latino older adults.