title: Hepatitis B and liver cancer among three Asian American sub-groups: a focus group inquiry.
abstract: Prevalence of hepatitis B among Asian Americans is higher than for any other ethnic group in the United States. Since more than 50% of liver cancer is hepatitis B related, the burden of morbidity and mortality is extremely high among Asian Americans, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate interventions. We conducted focus groups (n = 8) with a total of 58 Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese immigrants in Maryland to explore knowledge, awareness and perceived barriers toward hepatitis B screening and vaccinations. Thematic analysis uncovered generally low levels of knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B risks, screening, and vaccination; inter-generational differences; and barriers to prevention. Some differences arose across ethnic groups, particularly toward perceived orientation to preventive activities and the role of religious groups. High rates of hepatitis B infection among Asian Americans highlight the need for tailored interventions. These findings may assist policy strategists in implementing interventions that will facilitate the integration and scale-up of hepatitis B education, screening, and vaccination campaigns.
authors: Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. mphilbin@jhsph.edu
authors: Morgan M
authors: MM
authors: Philbin
authors: Lori A H
authors: LA
authors: Erby
authors: Sunmin
authors: S
authors: Lee
authors: Hee-Soon
authors: HS
authors: Juon
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001213:Asian; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D056910:Republic of Korea / Q000208:ethnology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014744:Vietnam / Q000208:ethnology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines