in a 2-page paper, discuss one of the leading healthcare needs specific to a select population (African American) and formulate primary prevention strategies aimed at addressing those needs. Paper requires a minimum of two references: one from a peer-reviewed  NURSING journal(less 5 years-old) and one from the course textbook. Professional, governmental, or educational organizations (.org, .gov, or .edu) may be used as supplemental references. APA format required.

Title: Addressing Cardiovascular Disease Disparities among African Americans: Formulating Primary Prevention Strategies

Introduction:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a significant health concern globally, affecting diverse populations. However, certain populations, such as African Americans, are disproportionately burdened by CVD. This paper aims to examine the leading healthcare need specific to the African American population and outline primary prevention strategies aimed at addressing this need. The selected population’s unique challenges and vulnerabilities will be considered, and the importance of culturally competent approaches will be highlighted. This paper emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions and interventions grounded in social determinants of health.

Leading Healthcare Need among African Americans:
Among African Americans, cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke, continue to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality (Wong et al., 2014). These disparities can be attributed, in part, to multiple factors that interact at individual, social, and environmental levels. African Americans are more likely to experience cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity (Carnethon et al., 2017). Socioeconomic and structural factors, such as limited access to quality healthcare, socioeconomic disadvantage, discrimination, and chronic stress, contribute to the higher prevalence and severity of CVD in this population (Wyatt et al., 2020).

Formulating Primary Prevention Strategies:
To address the healthcare needs specific to African Americans and reduce disparities in cardiovascular health outcomes, primary prevention strategies must be implemented. These strategies should encompass multiple levels, addressing individual behaviors, healthcare systems, and the social determinants of health.

1. Individual-Level Strategies:
At the individual level, primary prevention strategies should focus on promoting health literacy, behavior change and modifying risk factors associated with CVD. Educational interventions targeting populations at risk can empower individuals with knowledge about healthy lifestyles and self-management strategies. Culturally tailored interventions that consider the unique needs, beliefs, and preferences of African Americans can optimize engagement and outcomes (Gentry et al., 2017). These interventions may include community-based programs, support groups, and health coaching, which have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing self-efficacy and promoting healthy behaviors (Braun et al., 2019).

2. Healthcare System-Level Strategies:
Healthcare system-level strategies should aim to address barriers to healthcare access and promote culturally competent care. One key approach is increasing access to healthcare services through expanded insurance coverage and increasing the number of healthcare facilities in underserved areas. To improve the quality of care, it is crucial to implement cultural competency training for healthcare providers. Cultural competence training enhances providers’ understanding of, and ability to meet, the cultural and linguistic needs of their patients while reducing implicit biases and disparities (Betancourt et al., 2016). Additionally, implementing routine screening and early detection programs, as well as implementing evidence-based guidelines for hypertension, diabetes, and obesity management, can contribute to reducing CVD disparities among African Americans.

3. Social Determinants of Health Strategies:
Addressing the social determinants of health is essential for reducing CVD disparities among African Americans. Strategies at this level should focus on policies that improve living conditions, socioeconomic status, and community resources. Initiatives that support affordable housing, improved access to healthy foods, safe recreational spaces, and quality education can help address the structural and societal factors that contribute to CVD disparities (Braveman et al., 2014).

Conclusion:
Cardiovascular disease disparities among African Americans are multifaceted and can only be effectively addressed through primary prevention strategies that target individual behaviors, healthcare systems, and social determinants of health. To achieve health equity, interventions must be evidence-based, culturally competent, and grounded in an understanding of the broader social determinants that influence health outcomes. Through the implementation of these strategies, it is possible to reduce healthcare disparities and improve cardiovascular health outcomes among African Americans.