Tummy Time for Latinos With Limited English Proficiency: Evaluating the Feasibility of a Cultural and Linguistically Adapted Parent Education Intervention

PURPOSE

Tummy Time is preventive positioning designed to strengthen an infant's neck and upper body muscles and minimize musculoskeletal disorders, including positional plagiocephaly. Latino parents with limited English proficiency (LEP) may experience barriers to receiving instruction on this important health-promotion strategy. Study aims included 1) adaptation and implementation of a Spanish-language version of Tummy Time; 2) evaluation of participant Tummy Time knowledge; and 3) assessment of efficacy and acceptability of the Spanish language intervention.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This feasibility study involved translation of educational materials into Spanish, creation of Spanish-language print materials, and training of bilingual research assistants to deliver the educational intervention. Participants were 21 Latino expectant and current parents with self-identified LEP. Participants completed brief pre- and post-tests and performed a return demonstration.

RESULTS

Participant knowledge of Tummy Time increased post-intervention. Program evaluation and on-site observations supported feasibility and acceptability.

CONCLUSIONS

The cultural and linguistic tailoring of targeted educational interventions is a feasible and potentially effective strategy to overcome barriers experienced by parents with limited English proficiency and may contribute to improved infant health outcomes.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

To be effective, health education programs must be tailored to the target population. Pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners should be aware that populations with LEP face many barriers that may inhibit their ability to participate in and understand health promotion educational activities. While translating interventions can mitigate language barriers, providers should also evaluate and address other barriers such as time constraints, transportation issues, and trust.

Bicultural Straddling Among Immigrant Adolescents: A Concept Analysis

BACKGROUND

Increasing population diversity in the United States creates challenges for providing culturally responsive health care to immigrant adolescents. Nursing providers have few effective concepts to guide their understanding of how culturally diverse adolescents handle different cultural influences (between family and society) and how straddling two cultures may influence adolescents' decision making about health.

AIM

Bicultural straddling is defined as an ongoing process of adaptation resulting from living within two different cultural influences. A concept analysis of bicultural straddling is important to nursing professionals in caring for culturally diverse adolescents.

METHOD

Walker and Avant's methodology was used to guide our understanding about how immigrant adolescents straddle cultural influences between their homes and society.

RESULTS

Straddling two different cultures influences adolescents' health-related beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors as they navigate everyday struggles to make informed health decisions. Adolescents' ability to achieve active straddling will allow them to experience positive social functioning, psychological development, and health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

By understanding the ongoing process of "bicultural straddling" as a balancing act, nurse professionals can develop effective interventions to alleviate stress derived from acculturation among immigrant families and ultimately help adolescents achieve biculturalism.