Benefits and cultural adaptations of psychosocial interventions for parents and their children with intellectual disabilities in low‐and middle‐income countries: A systematic review

Abstract

Background Evidence and awareness of the importance of culturally adapting psychosocial interventions is growing. The aim of this paper is to systematically review studies on cultural adaptations of psychosocial interventions for parents and their children with intellectual disabilities, in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Methods Studies were identified through electronic databases and searching bibliographies. The quality and cultural adaptations of thirteen studies focusing on parental trainings were analysed using standardised tools and frameworks. Results Findings suggest interventions reduce the risk of depression and stress and increase coping strategies and positive perceptions of family functioning. Parenting skills training may improve parent–child interactions and child development. However, these benefits should be interpreted cautiously due to methodological shortcomings. Most studies described efforts to make appropriate cultural adaptations to the interventions, but these adaptations were not comprehensive. Conclusion High‐quality cultural adaptations are crucial to providing meaningful interventions in different parts of the world.

Dohsa‐hou for unexplained regression in Down syndrome in a 19‐year‐old man: A case report

“…Restricted intellectual disabilities may moderate the effectiveness of the treatment; thus, some adaptation may be required to obtain a beneficial outcome in such a population 36,37 . Cultural difference and access to the services may also complicate the selection of a possible treatment for this issues 38 . Since Dohsa‐hou is not utilized widely in Western countries, the current resources are limited to mainly Asian countries 18…”

“…36,37 Cultural difference and access to the services may also complicate the selection of a possible treatment for this issues. 38 Since Dohsa-hou is not utilized widely in Western countries, the current resources are limited to mainly Asian countries. 18 People with Down syndrome may experience rapid deterioration and regression-like symptoms in early adulthood.…”

Quality of life of Brazilian families who have children with Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome: An exploratory cross‐sectional study

“…Emotional support refers to assistance in enhancing psychosocial functioning by reducing stress and contributing to an overall positive orientation to life (Meral et al, 2013). This can be achieved through psychosocial interventions (Susanty et al, 2021), which is why we suggest providing psychological assistance to both parents and siblings whenever indicated. Furthermore, spirituality and religion can also modulate emotional status (Poston & Turnbull, 2004), and therefore should be taken into consideration in these families.…”

Mental health problems in children with intellectual disability

“…- ------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------The contribution of LMICs in the generation of evidence for intervention is in the minority,. 98,99 Parent training and parent psychoeducation are feasible in LMICs and likely effective for reducing behavioural disorders in children with intellectual disability. 98 Most interventions tested in LMICs are adapted from high-income countries and cultural adaptations are critical to treatment effectiveness, in particular language, cultural specificity of materials and parents' beliefs prior to the therapy.…”

“…98 Most interventions tested in LMICs are adapted from high-income countries and cultural adaptations are critical to treatment effectiveness, in particular language, cultural specificity of materials and parents' beliefs prior to the therapy. 99 Other types of treatments such as personalised ABA treatments have not been tested in LMICs at all. 98 Most evidence-based approaches reviewed above require significant resources (specialist staff, universal screening systems, specialist diagnostic services, early intervention services) that are not available in several LMICs.…”