RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Racial Disparities in Hepatitis B Infection in Ohio
JF Journal of Investigative Medicine
JO J Investig Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 1121
OP 1128
DO 10.2310/JIM.0b013e3182a70f10
VO 61
IS 7
A1 Ranjita Misra
A1 Karen Jiobu
A1 Johnathan Zhang
A1 Qihui Liu
A1 Feng Li
A1 Robert Kirkpatrick
A1 Jason Ho
YR 2013
UL http://hw-f5-jim.highwire.org/content/61/7/1121.abstract
AB Objective Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and liver cancer mortality represent a neglected health disparity among Asian Americans. The purposes of this study were to compare the prevalence of hepatitis B among a diverse group of 1311 Ohioans in Franklin County, OH (85% Asians, 7.5% African Americans, and 6.5% whites) and to improve access to care for high-risk Asian adults through advocacy and policy changes.Research Design and Methods The Asian subgroups comprised of Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Pakistani, Vietnamese, Korean, Laotian, Indonesian, Japanese, Cambodian, Thai, and Malaysian nationalities. The HBV screening was completed at health fairs, restaurants, churches, and temples from 2006 to 2011.Results The prevalence of HBV infection (9.5% vs 5%) and family history of liver cancer was significantly higher among Asians than other racial ethnic groups (P = 0.001). Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Chinese participants were disproportionately infected with the virus compared with other Asian subgroups (P < 0.001). Advocacy and policy changes for resources allowed vaccine-eligible Asians included as “high risk” group to receive free vaccinations at the health department. However, although vouchers were provided to vaccine-eligible Asian adults, compliance in getting vaccinated was very low (11%). Common barriers for compliance were lack of time and knowledge of completing the 3 shot series, low English proficiency, and fear of adverse effects.Conclusions Outreach education may use community liaisons to improve screenings, education, and vaccination/treatment. A hepatitis free clinic was established in 2009 to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate treatment for low-income Asian Americans in Franklin County, OH.