Adapting a sexual and reproductive health program for Latina teens and their female caregivers

A qualitative study

Bibliographic Data

ID22068145
AuthorsKatherine G Merrill (0000-0001-5308-4154, University of Illinois Chicago, corresponding author), Jacqueline Fuentes (0000-0003-1720-2138, University of Illinois Chicago), Jamison Merrill (University of Illinois Chicago), Jeff DeCelles, Jacqueline Silva (University of Illinois Chicago), Angela Sedeño, Sherri Salgado (0000-0002-7967-3763), Sara Vargas (0000-0003-0778-4031), Jennifer K Cano (0000-0001-5124-1320), Veronica Nabor, Laura Rodríguez (0000-0002-5090-1582), Laura Rodríguez-Fernández (0000-0001-9036-5000), Vanessa Melgoza, Corin Mora, Ana A Baumann (0000-0002-4523-0147, Washington University in St. Louis), Kate Guastaferro (0000-0002-5616-9708, New York University), Geri R Donenberg (0000-0002-7925-0488, University of Illinois Chicago)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1501757-1501757
Publication date2025-02-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1501757
PMID40046110
OpenAlexW4407719820
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited35

Background Adaptation is widely recognized as important when interventions are to be delivered in new settings or with new populations. However, there are gaps in the literature on how adaptations are carried out and documented. IMARA is a 12-h evidence-based sexual health intervention for Black teens and their mothers, designed for delivery over two days. We present our systematic process of adapting IMARA for Latinas to produce the Floreciendo (“Blooming”) program for Latina teens (14–18 years old) and their female caregivers (e.g., mothers, sisters). Methods Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, we carried out a qualitative study that included 7 focus groups: 4 with staff from community partner organizations ( n = 29), 2 with Latina teens (14–18 years) ( n = 11), and 1 with female caregivers ( n = 5). We also conducted seven key informant interviews with experts in sexual health and Latina health. We used Escoffery’s recommended steps to guide our adaptation process. Data were thematically coded and adaptations documented using the FRAME for reporting modifications to evidence-based interventions. Results Informed by the data, we grouped IMARA content into four sessions for Floreciendo, each with unique curricular content and designed to be delivered in two hours (eight hours total): (1) Foundations in Sexual Risk Prevention; (2) Condoms and Contraception; (3) Family Strengthening; and (4) Gender and Relationships. We documented adaptations made for each session. For example, participants emphasized unplanned pregnancy as an important issue facing Latina teens. In response, we added an activity providing hands-on experience with contraceptive methods. Participants also highlighted how gender norms and family expectations in Latine culture shape Latina teens’ sexual and reproductive health practices. We therefore developed activities and opportunities for discussion addressing these cultural influences. We removed IMARA activities considered of lower priority (e.g., portrayal of women in the media). Conclusion This study addresses gaps in the literature by reporting in detail the adaptations we made to an evidence-based intervention using qualitative methods. The four curriculum sessions we generated through our adaptation process will form the basis of the intervention components we will test in future work using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework

Environmental health · Family medicine · Population · Qualitative research · Reproductive health · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Community Health and Development · Health Policy Implementation Science · Medicine · Psychology