THU0584 Cultural Adaptation of the “Teens Taking Charge: Managing Arthritis Online” Program to Finland
Authors: H. Vuorimaa, J. Stinson
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> "Teens taking charge: Managing Arthritis Online" is an internet-based multi-component treatment protocol developed in Canada by Stinson et al (Stinson et al., 2010). Web-based programs have potential to improve the access and acceptability of self-management treatments for a large number of youth with JIA, thereby reducing unnecessary burden and costs on the health care system and improving health outcomes. In a pilot randomized controlled trial, this program significantly improved knowledge about JIA and reduced pain compared to an attention control group. This program is currently available in English, French, and Spanish and is being evaluated in two large multi-centred trials in Canada and the United States. In general, it is reasonable to transfer standardized interventions from one culture to another. However, several aspects regarding the cultural fit, fidelity and implementation of the adapted program should be taken into account in the process <h3>Objectives</h3> To adapt the online program for Finnish youth with JIA using a sequential phased approach, the needs of the atager group were first studied. In the first phase, qualitative interviews were used to determine their self-management needs and readiness to use the "Teens Taking Charge: Managing Arthritis Online" self-management program and cultural adaptations that will be needed. <h3>Methods</h3> Individual interviews were conducted to explore self-management needs of the adolescents with JIA in Finland. Adolescent, aged 14-16 years with JIA (n=10) and their parents (n=10) were interviewed. The interviews took place in a tertiary care pediatric center, using semi-structured interview guides. As the first step on analysis, the texts were classified according to seven self-management aspects. Next, significant contents of each of the phases were identified and named. The unit of analysis consisted of the ideas or meanings of expressions rather than single words or phrases. Categories describing self-management needs at a more abstract level were formed <h3>Results</h3> Adolescents articulated the need for social support and knowledge about JIA. Specifically "young faces" presenting JIA specific information about self-management was seen as an important component needed in the program. Parents underlined need for social support as well. It was important for the parents that the website would promote JIA specific knowledge. Typically the parents wanted occupational counseling information in the website for their children. Parents were concerned whether the web-based program would reduce other services for the teenagers in the long run. <h3>Conclusions</h3> It is important to include the target group members in the adaptation process when transferring interventions from one culture to another. The current results brought up some culture specific issues about the content of the website, which should be included in the Finnish version of it. <h3>References</h3> Barrera, M, Castro, FC, Steiker, LK. (2011). A Critical Analysis of Approaches to the Development of Preventive Interventions for Subcultural Groups. <i>Am J Community Psychol, 48: 439-454.</i> Stinson, JN, McGarth, P., Hodnett, ED, Feldman, BM. Duffy, CM, Huber, AM, Tucker, LB, Hetherington, CR, Tse, SML, Spiegel, LR., Campillo, S., Gill, NK. &amp; White, ME. (2010) An Internet-based Self-management Program with Telephone Support for Adolescents with Arthritis: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. <i>Rheumatol 37:1944-1952.</i> <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared