Culturally competent approaches in addressing hypertension control disparities in African Americans: The pharmacist's perspective

Abstract

In the United States, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death. Despite advancements in the identification of risk factors and management of CVD leading to improved mortality over the years, disparities in outcomes persist among racial/ethnic groups. In this commentary, we discuss the multifaceted nature of this issue, including structural barriers and historical injustices that lead to healthcare mistrust. Emphasizing culturally appropriate approaches, we explore the pharmacist's role in providing culturally competent care and propose policy recommendations to improve disparities in blood pressure outcomes. The paper underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to address this critical public health challenge.