From research to practice: the importance of community collaboration in the translation process

In order for effective interventions to make an impact on their target population, they must be successfully translated and disseminated to the organizations that will ultimately deliver them to those in need. Cuídate!, a culturally based intervention to reduce HIV sexual risk among Latino youth, was identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Prevention Research Synthesis (PRS) project as "best evidence" of intervention efficacy and selected as part of the CDC's Replicating Effective Programs (REP). The REP process consisted of the design, development, and field-testing of the Cuídate! program package in community-based, nonacademic settings. Project staff worked with CDC and community-based partners throughout the REP process. Community partners included a community advisory board (CAB) and four case agencies. Case agency staff participated in a facilitator training and subsequently implemented the Cuídate! program at their respective agencies. Process evaluation findings showed that facilitators were able to effectively use program materials and implement the program with fidelity. Adolescent participants reported they liked the program and would recommend the project to others. Only slight modifications to program and training materials were necessary following evaluation. Lessons learned included the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and utilizing the resources available from each collaborative partner.