Computer-based training for cognitive behavioral therapy for Spanish-speaking substance users: adaptation and...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Health
• Substance Use Interventions
• Cultural Adaptation in Healthcare

Background:

• Limited availability of culturally and linguistically adapted behavioral health interventions for Spanish-speaking adults with substance use disorders.
• Need for innovative approaches to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the cultural adaptation of a computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use program (CBT4CBT) for monolingual Spanish-speaking adults.
• To evaluate participant satisfaction and perceived relevance of the adapted intervention.

Main Methods:

• Cultural adaptation of an existing computer-based CBT program (CBT4CBT).
• Integration of a telenovela format to deliver CBT skills for substance use.
• Delivery of the adapted program to monolingual Spanish-speaking adults who have migrated to the United States.

Main Results:

• Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the CBT4CBT program content.
• The adapted intervention was perceived as easy to understand and relevant to participants' life experiences.
• The telenovela format facilitated engagement with cognitive-behavioral skills training for substance use.

Conclusions:

• Culturally and linguistically adapted interventions, such as CBT4CBT, are feasible and well-received by Spanish-speaking adults.
• Innovative delivery methods like telenovelas can enhance the effectiveness of behavioral health interventions for substance use.
• Further research should explore the clinical outcomes of this adapted CBT4CBT program.