Directions for the Advancement of Culturally Adapted Preventive Interventions: Local Adaptations, Engagement, and Sustainability

To advance the implementation and dissemination of culturally adapted interventions to diverse populations, greater attention should be devoted to three underdeveloped topics: (a) local adaptations of interventions when they are implemented in community settings, (b) participant engagement, and (c) the sustainability of adapted interventions. Several typologies have been developed for studying local adaptations, and some research indicates that such adaptations might add to intervention effectiveness. There is suggestive evidence of ethnocultural group disparities in intervention engagement and in the success of efforts to boost engagement. Theory and limited data indicate that interventions’ flexibility and fit with organizational culture and resources can be achieved through cultural adaptations. Furthermore, those adaptations should be associated with sustainability, but research has yet to test that hypothesis adequately. Several recommendations are made for advancing culturally adapted interventions through additional research on local adaptations during implementation, the many facets of participant engagement, and sustainability.