Hepatitis B knowledge and practices among Chinese American women in Seattle, Washington.
BACKGROUND
Chinese Americans have higher rates of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, resulting in higher incidences of liver cancer, compared with the general population.


METHODS
The authors conducted a community-based survey of HBV knowledge and preventive practices among Chinese American women in Seattle, Washington, during 1999.


RESULTS
Less than half (46%) of the respondents knew that HBV could cause liver cancer. Only 35% reported that they had been serologically tested for HBV, and most of those who knew they were susceptible (61%) had not been vaccinated.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate low levels of HBV knowledge, screening, and vaccination among Chinese immigrants. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce the burden of HBV infection and liver cancer in this community.
Thompson
Matthew J
MJ
Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-4696, USA. mjt@u.washington.edu
Taylor
Victoria M
VM
Jackson
J Carey
JC
Yasui
Yutaka
Y
Kuniyuki
Alan
A
Tu
Shin-Ping
SP
Hislop
T Gregory
TG
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001213:Asian; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017533:Marital Status / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines