Table 1 Description of cultural adaptation strategies used to tailor nutrition health interventions for Indigenous peoples

Peripheral

Use of colours, imagery, fonts, pictures of the community, music, or declarative titles.

Gives the appearance of cultural appropriateness by packaging them in ways likely to appeal to a group. These elements can create interest, establish credibility and set the tone for content in printed communications

Surface

Evidential

Use of data on a given health issue within the population/community.

To enhance the perceived relevance of a health issue for a given group by presenting evidence of its impact on that group. Such statements seek to raise awareness, concern, and or perceived personal vulnerability to a health issue by showing that it affects the given group.

Surface

Linguistic

Use of dominant or traditional language.

To make programs and materials more accessible.

Must consider translations – should be culturally relevant, not direct translations.

Surface (direct translation)

Deep (full translations with culturally relevant statements)

Constituent Involving

Drawing directly on the experience of members of the community.

Can range from using stories of community members, through to formal community guidance, through to full ownership and directing of the project by the community.

Surface (testimonials or stories)

Deep (delivery of intervention by community members)

Sociocultural strategies

Discusses health issues in the context of broader social and cultural values and characteristics.

The cultural values, beliefs and behaviours of the group are recognised, reinforced and built upon to provide context and meaning to the health promotion activity.

Deep