The Process of Cultural Adaptation of an Evidence-Based Intervention With the Native Hawaiian Community

Culturally adapting evidence-based programs may increase effectiveness, but decreases in fidelity to the original intervention are possible.

We describe the process and lessons learned from the adaptation of an evidence-based intervention, the Savvy Caregiver Program with a Native Hawaiian Community Action Board.

We present three examples: retaining an existing activity, revising a core concept as a hybrid with a Hawaiian value/English term, and adapting a component of the curriculum with cultural foods.

We suggest researchers work with community to: articulate core components in evidence-based interventions, explicitly; adapt activities and content to include cultural practices and norms; engage in iterative adaptation processes to support cohort differences; emphasize the importance of an inclusive approach to cultural identity; consider potential benefits of culturally grounded interventions; and describe and report the processes used in cultural adaptation.