Assessing Hepatitis B Knowledge Among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in San Diego

Siotame Lasitani,Christopher Hattori,Maria Rosario Araneta,Teini Elisara

doi:10.1007/s10903-021-01236-1

Siotame Lasitani, Christopher Hattori + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-021-01236-1

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundAsian-Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise 6% of the U.S. population, but 50% of chronic hepatitis B cases and have a cancer mortality that is 60% higher than non-Hispanic Whites. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge of HBV transmission, symptoms/sequelae and treatment among NHPIs in San Diego.MethodsSelf-administered surveys were distributed using convenience sampling at the 24th Annual Pacific Islander Festival in San Diego in 2018.ResultsOverall knowledge scores were low (mean: 9.8 out of 28) among participants. Compared to U.S.- born (mean: 11.6), participants born in Pacific Island countries and territories (mean: 8.5) had lower knowledge scores (p = 0.017) and lower self-reported vaccination rates (50% vaccinated vs 27%, respectively, p = 0.025).DiscussionLack of HBV knowledge, low vaccination rates and the discordance between knowledge and behavior regarding HBV vaccination elicits an urgent need to collaborate with NHPI communities for HBV education, screening, immunization and treatment.

Highlights

Chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection is a global public health issue affecting nearly 350 million people worldwide
While an effective hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine has been available since 1982, late introduction and/or limited availability of the vaccine have resulted in low infant immunization and high prevalence of CHB in many regions, Asia and Pacific Island countries and territories (PICT) [2]
Data for this study was collected using a self-administered survey at the 24th Annual Pacific Islander Festival (PIFA) in San Diego in 2018 [13]

Summary

Introduction

Chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection is a global public health issue affecting nearly 350 million people worldwide. While an effective hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine has been available since 1982, late introduction and/or limited availability of the vaccine have resulted in low infant immunization and high prevalence of CHB in many regions, Asia and Pacific Island countries and territories (PICT) [2]. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) contribute to more than 50% of CHB cases in the U.S [4] This disparity translates to a liver cancer death rate that is 60% higher among AAPIs than non-Hispanic Whites despite the availability of effective antiviral treatments to prevent or delay the onset of HBV-related liver disease [3]. Compared to U.S.- born (mean: 11.6), participants born in Pacific Island countries and territories (mean: 8.5) had lower knowledge scores (p = 0.017) and lower self-reported vaccination rates (50% vaccinated vs 27%, respectively, p = 0.025). Discussion Lack of HBV knowledge, low vaccination rates and the discordance between knowledge and behavior regarding HBV vaccination elicits an urgent need to collaborate with NHPI communities for HBV education, screening, immunization and treatment

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion