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

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.