Use of standardized instruments to assess health and social risk of populations has increased significantly. These assessments are used as the basis for design and evaluation of health services, and their results have been used as the basis for formulation of public policy. However, many of the commonly used instruments have not been normed with populations of color, raising concerns about the validity of the results and the appropriateness of their use. This paper reviews the use of standardized instruments with populations of color, focusing on their use to assess risk among children and women. The implications of the use of these instruments will be discussed, as will be the need to develop instruments that are culturally appropriate. The authors will present specific information concerning instruments that have been demonstrated to yield valid data and information as well as alternative approaches to assessing health and social risk among populations of color.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, the participants will be able to: 1) Describe at least five issues in the use of standardized instruments to assess risk among populations of color 2) List at least five standardized health or social assessment instruments that have been normed with children or women of color 3) Describe ways in which the assessment of health risks children and woman of color can be improved
Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Measuring Social Inequality
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.