Adapting an Alzheimer’s disease care intervention for Arab American families

Authors

• Kristine J. Ajrouch, Eastern Michigan University
• Mary R. Janevic, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
• Toni C. Antonucci, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2023

Department/School

Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology

Publication Title

Biopsychosocial Perspectives on Arab Americans: Culture, Development, and Health (2nd Ed.)

Abstract

This chapter documents the ways in which cultural ideals and pragmatic experiences informed our adaptation of an existing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) care intervention program to address the needs of family AD caregivers in the Arab American community. After identifying AD as a growing and concerning challenge, we present a summary of how care for older adults in Arab culture is generally perceived. We then identify three key theoretical constructs that informed program adaptation, social relations, family systems, and cultural competency, and describe how partnering with a community organization (ACCESS) and the Alzheimer’s Association led to community-engaged research activities to inform adaptation. Four focus groups were conducted with Arab American family members and health and social service providers (N = 30). The three major themes identified from grounded analysis included national origin, family dynamics, and cultural ideals. Working with the program curriculum of the Alzheimer Association’s evidence-informed “Living with Alzheimer’s” educational series, adaptations were guided by the theoretical concepts and focus group themes. Modifications included Arabic translations of all materials, newly recorded videos tailored for the Arab American audience that address key topics, image and language changes, and inclusion in program materials of illustrative vignettes with culturally relevant content. The adapted intervention provides a culturally sensitive program for Arab American families who are caring for someone with AD.

Comments

K. J. Ajrouch is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology.

Recommended Citation

Ajrouch, K. J., Janevic, M. R., & Antonucci, T. C. (2023). Adapting an Alzheimer’s disease care intervention for Arab American families. In S. C. Nassar, K. J. Ajrouch, F. J. Dallo, & J. Hakim-Larson (Eds.), Biopsychosocial perspectives on Arab Americans: Culture, development, and health (2nd ed., pp. 95–109). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28360-4_6