Capsule Commentary on Tokes et al. Disease and Treatment Perceptions Among Asian Americans Diagnosed with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

Excerpt

Chronic hepatitis B disproportionally affects Asian-Americans in the US. Tokes et al.1 studied Asian-Americans with chronic hepatitis B to evaluate their attitudes toward treatment. Using a discrete choice model, they examined how costs and potential side effects influenced patients’ evaluations and decisions to (not) take medication, as well as their relative importance. They found that nearly half were reluctant to start treatment; that most subjects were aware of the potential long-term consequences of chronic hepatitis B, were aware of the treatment options, and worried most about long-term kidney damage due to medication use. Costs were a second important consideration. They also found that Asian-Americans overstated the potential impact of diet and lifestyle in controlling their disease. …