Abstract A09: Transcreating self-help smoking cessation intervention materials for Hispanic/Latino smokers: Focus group and learner verification findings
Authors: Díaz Diana B. , Monsalve Luis M. , Brandon Thomas H. , Piñeiro Bárbara , Meltzer Lauren R. , Meade Cathy D. , Brandon Karen O. , Unrod Marina , Simmons Vani N. 
Published: March 2017

There is a dearth of evidence-based smoking-cessation interventions for Hispanic/Latino smokers, especially for individuals with limited or no English proficiency. Hispanics/Latinos make up 17% of the national population, and in some Hispanic sub-ethnic groups, such as Puerto Ricans and Cubans, smoking prevalence rates are over 30% (greatly exceeding rates of non-Hispanic Whites at 18.1%). Thus, we sought to transcreate our existing validated English-language “Stop Smoking for Good” self-help smoking cessation intervention for Spanish-speaking smokers. The transcreation process involves a series of steps involving translating the text into another language, as well as infusing culturally relevant context, photos, and themes.

To begin, focus groups were conducted to assess reactions to the existing English-language materials (10 booklets and 9 pamphlets), and to gather suggestions to adapt content for the intended audience. Specifically, we aimed to identify culturally relevant smoking cessation barriers as well as elements that would increase acceptability in this population. Focus group participants (N=23) were bilingual Hispanic/Latino smokers representing diverse sub-ethnic groups. A key theme that emerged was familism, defined by the sense of attachment, loyalty and collective well-being among the nuclear as well as extended family. This finding prompted us to develop an additional booklet aimed at providing family and friends with the tools necessary to support their loved one's quit attempt. Other findings included: religion and spirituality as a coping mechanism; the role of coffee as a trigger for smoking; and difficulties for immigrants that serve as stressors for smoking, such as language barriers, being separated from one's family, and financial problems. Format change suggestions were also reported by participants and included a desire for color images, preference for a bright color palette, and interactive activities. Focus group findings then informed the development of a Spanish-language version of the booklets entitled, “Libre del cigarrillo, por mi familia y por mí.” Subsequently, learner verification interviews (N=10) were conducted with Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latino smokers who preferred their health education materials in Spanish to assess the appeal and acceptability of the revised content and visual modifications. Overall, participants responded favorably to the revised content. The learner verification process also revealed a need to: expand the explanation of quitting aids, include additional culturally salient daily stressors, and further emphasize the financial benefits of quitting smoking. We will present additional qualitative results from the focus groups and learner verification interviews as well as the finalized Spanish-language version of the booklets. The final version of the Spanish-language materials will be tested in a randomized controlled trial.

Citation Format: Diana B. Díaz, Luis M. Monsalve, Thomas H. Brandon, Bárbara Piñeiro, Lauren R. Meltzer, Cathy D. Meade, Karen O. Brandon, Marina Unrod, Vani N. Simmons. Transcreating self-help smoking cessation intervention materials for Hispanic/Latino smokers: Focus group and learner verification findings. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A09.