Developing Culturally Salient Assessment Tools and Interventions for Underserved and High-Risk Populations in the United States and Africa

This chapter delves into the development of practical assessment tools and culturally relevant interventions for underserved and high-risk populations in the United States (US) and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We present a comprehensive exploration of our interdisciplinary research focusing on brain and heart health, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies to address health inequities in these regions. Highlighting the burden of CVD in both the US and SSA, the chapter underscores the urgent need for evidence-based, culturally sensitive interventions. In this work, we stress the role of pragmatic assessment tools that are adapted for global populations’ culture, clinical realities, and preferences. We also showcase the significance of clinically based screening algorithms for CVD risk assessment, particularly in resource-constrained settings where cost-effective strategies are desperately needed.