Practical Issues in a Culturally Tailored Technology-Based Intervention for Asian American Colorectal Cancer Survivors.

Abstract

Background: Despite an increasing number of culturally tailored technology-based interventions for racial/ethnic minorities, little is known about practical issues in conducting a culturally tailored technology-based intervention study among racial/ethnic minority groups, especially among Asian American colorectal cancer survivors.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the practical issues in conducting a study using a culturally tailored technology-based intervention among Asian American colorectal cancer survivors.

Methods: In a technology-based colorectal cancer intervention study, research team members wrote memos on issues in conducting a culturally tailored technology-based intervention study among the specific population and plausible reasons for the issues. Then, a content analysis was used to analyze the research diaries and written records of the research team.

Results: The practical issues found in the research process included ( a ) unauthentic cases, ( b ) a low response rate, ( c ) high dropout rates, ( d ) technological literacy, ( e ) language issues, ( f ) cultural tailoring issues, and ( g ) time and geographical limitations.

Conclusions: These practical issues need to be considered in planning and implementing culturally tailored technology-based interventions among Asian American colorectal cancer survivors.

Implications for practice: Multiple implications such as detailed information sheets, flexibility in languages, open attitudes toward cultural differences and variances, and continuous training of interventionists are proposed for culturally tailored technology-based interventions among this specific population.