Cultural Adaptation of an mHealth Intervention for Diabetes Self-Management: An Ecological Validity Model Approach

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Transcultural nursing
• Health behavior change

Background:

• Mobile health (mHealth) interventions require cultural adaptation for user acceptance and effectiveness.
• This study focused on adapting an mHealth intervention for diabetes self-management among U.S. Vietnamese.
• Cultural tailoring is crucial for equitable health outcomes in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the translation and cultural adaptation of an mHealth intervention for U.S. Vietnamese adults with diabetes.
• To utilize the Ecological Validity Model (EVM) to guide the adaptation process.
• To ensure the adapted intervention aligns with the cultural context of U.S. Vietnamese.

Main Methods:

• The Ecological Validity Model (EVM) guided the adaptation process.
• Eight dimensions of the EVM were applied to ensure cultural appropriateness.
• The process involved adapting educational content and social contexts within the mHealth intervention.

Main Results:

• The EVM framework facilitated the alignment of the mHealth intervention with U.S. Vietnamese cultural norms, values, and preferences.
• A culturally adapted mHealth intervention for diabetes self-management was successfully developed.
• The systematic application of the EVM demonstrated successful cultural adaptation.

Conclusions:

• The Ecological Validity Model (EVM) provides a valuable framework for culturally adapting mHealth interventions.
• The adapted mHealth intervention shows promise for supporting diabetes self-management in U.S. Vietnamese.
• Further research should explore the EVM's applicability across different chronic conditions and diverse ethnic groups.