Culturally Adapting a Video-Based Self-acupressure Intervention to Manage Symptoms for Black and Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

Black and Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience greater physical functioning decline and symptom burden than non-Hispanic White BCS, partially due to systemic racism and socioeconomic barriers. Self-administered acupressure has shown promising effects for reducing cancer-related symptoms and is a low-cost, integrative approach to managing symptoms. However, self-acupressure has not been tested in Black and Latina BCS. This study aimed to culturally adapt an existing self-acupressure video intervention and assess Black and Latina BCS’s feedback on the acceptability of the adapted video. Following learner verification and revision methods, we collaborated with community organizations and partners for cultural and linguistic adaptation of the existing video. We conducted semi-structured interviews with four community partners, two oncology providers, and six Black and Latina BCS to gather feedback on content comprehension, engagement, cultural acceptability, and satisfaction with the intervention. We made iterative revisions to the video and then conducted usability testing with the six BCS. We produced an 11-min self-acupressure video following participant feedback, including a need for clear differentiation between acupressure and acupuncture, simplified explanations of physiological effects of self-acupressure, increased culturally relevant presentation by including Black and Latina BCS performing acupressure demonstrations, testimonial segments, and lay language explanations. In usability testing, the six BCS rated the intervention highly. Black and Latina BCS were highly satisfied with the culturally adapted self-acupressure video and expressed strong interest in performing self-acupressure. Future studies will evaluate the intervention’s effects on symptom management and quality of life in these underrepresented populations.