Health Disparities in Advance Care Planning: Development of a Spanish-Language LEAD Guide (Life-Planning in Early Alzheimer's and Other Dementias)

Abstract

Introduction: The LEAD (Life-Planning in Early Alzheimer's and Other Dementias) Guide is an advance care planning (ACP) tool for use within the context of dementia. To meet the needs of diverse communities, we sought to create a culturally sensitive and translated Latin American Spanish version of the guide. Methods: First, the guide was translated into Spanish. Second, we conducted forward and backward translations. Third, focus groups with Spanish-speaking Latino adults were held (healthy adults and current or previous dementia caregivers). Results: Descriptive analysis revealed three domains regarding the Latin American Spanish version of the LEAD Guide (LA LEAD Guide): (1) Family Dynamics (e.g., preventing family conflict), (2) Cultural Expectations (e.g., familial caregiving responsibility), and (3) Health Literacy (e.g., lack of knowledge about ACP). Discussion: This process created the Latin American LEAD Guide as a culturally and linguistically appropriate and acceptable ACP tool for older Latino adults. Health Equity Implications: The availability of culturally sensitive and Spanish ACP resources could facilitate greater health care access and research participation among Latino Americans by diminishing the linguistic and health literacy barriers for those not comfortably proficient in English.