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Open Access 01-07-2010 | Original Article

Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Testing Among Vietnamese Americans

Authors: Tung T. Nguyen, MD, Stephen J. McPhee, MD, Susan Stewart, PhD, Ginny Gildengorin, PhD, Lena Zhang, PhD, Ching Wong, BS, Annette E. Maxwell, DrPH, Roshan Bastani, PhD, Vicky M. Taylor, MD, MPH, Moon S. Chen Jr, PhD, MPH

Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine | Issue 7/2010

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis B-associated liver cancer is a major health disparity among Vietnamese Americans, who have a chronic hepatitis B prevalence rate of 7–14% and an incidence rate for liver cancer six times that of non-Latino whites.

OBJECTIVE

Describe factors associated with hepatitis B testing among Vietnamese Americans.

DESIGN

A population-based telephone survey conducted in 2007–2008.

PARTICIPANTS

Vietnamese Americans age 18–64 and living in the Northern California and Washington, DC areas (N = 1,704).

MAIN MEASURES

Variables included self-reports of sociodemographics, health care factors, and hepatitis B-related behaviors, knowledge, beliefs, and communication with others. The main outcome variable was self-reported receipt of hepatitis B testing.

KEY RESULTS

The cooperation rate was 63.1% and the response rate was 27.4%. Only 62% of respondents reported having received a hepatitis B test and 26%, hepatitis B vaccination. Only 54% knew that hepatitis B could be transmitted by sexual intercourse. In multivariable analyses, factors negatively associated with testing included: age 30–49 years, US residence for >10 years, less Vietnamese fluency, lower income, and believing that hepatitis B can be deadly. Factors positively associated with testing included: Northern California residence, having had hepatitis B vaccination, having discussed hepatitis B with family/friends, and employer requested testing. Physician recommendation of hepatitis B testing (OR 4.46, 95% CI 3.36, 5.93) and respondent's request for hepatitis B testing (OR 8.37, 95% CI 5.95, 11.78) were strongly associated with test receipt.

CONCLUSION

Self-reports of hepatitis B testing among Vietnamese Americans remain unacceptably low. Physician recommendation and patient request were the factors most strongly associated with test receipt. A comprehensive effort is needed to promote hepatitis B testing in this population, including culturally-targeted community outreach, increased access to testing, and physician education.

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Title: Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Testing Among Vietnamese Americans
Authors: Tung T. Nguyen, MD
Stephen J. McPhee, MD
Susan Stewart, PhD
Ginny Gildengorin, PhD
Lena Zhang, PhD
Ching Wong, BS
Annette E. Maxwell, DrPH
Roshan Bastani, PhD
Vicky M. Taylor, MD, MPH
Moon S. Chen Jr, PhD, MPH
Publication date: 01-07-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine / Issue 7/2010
Print ISSN: 0884-8734
Electronic ISSN: 1525-1497
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-010-1285-1

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Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Testing Among Vietnamese Americans

Abstract

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVE

DESIGN

PARTICIPANTS

MAIN MEASURES

KEY RESULTS

CONCLUSION

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Abstract

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVE

DESIGN

PARTICIPANTS

MAIN MEASURES

KEY RESULTS

CONCLUSION

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