Development of K-iCare: a culturally adapted stress management intervention for Korean American dementia family caregivers

OBJECTIVES: We developed the Korean version of iCare (K-iCare), a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based stress management intervention for Korean American family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). METHODS: Using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (FRAME), K-iCare was developed through a five-stage process: (1) initial modifications by the research team; (2) feedback from two focus groups comprising former Korean American ADRD family caregivers and Korean American community service providers; (3) refinement of K-iCare; (4) validation by focus group participants and the original iCare developers; and (5) finalization for implementation. RESULTS: Intervention materials were translated into Korean with systematic cultural and linguistic adaptations. The number of chapters was consolidated from nine to five, and caregiving scenarios were replaced with culturally relevant examples reflecting Korean American caregiving norms. The intervention format was revised from self-paced, asynchronous modules to synchronous weekly small-group sessions delivered in a hybrid format and led by a bilingual, bicultural, doctoral-level interventionist with expertise in ADRD care. Supporting materials (e.g. fidelity monitoring checklists) were developed to promote consistent intervention delivery. CONCLUSION: and generate preliminary estimates of intervention-associated change and outcome variability.