The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43054

Charlotte Audris Wu, Department of Human Biology, Stanford University, Stanford University, Building 80, Stanford, CA 94305, 415-871-7891, lotus7@stanfordalumni.org and Samuel K.S. So, MD, FACS, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford University Medical School, 300 Pasteur Drive, H3680, Stanford, CA 94305.

Introduction A critical health problem in the Asian and Pacific Islander population is the disproportionately high incidence of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and liver cancer. The goal of this study was to gather information to better design interventional programs targeting prevention of HBV and liver cancer in Chinese Americans. This study describes the current level of knowledge and preventive actions against HBV and liver cancer and identifies correlates of knowledge and preventive action. Methods A fifteen-question questionnaire was administered in-person to 199 Chinese American adults in the San Francisco bay area at various community gatherings to assess chronic HBV and liver cancer knowledge and preventive action levels. Multiple regression and bivariate analyses were used to identify significant associations between SES, knowledge, and preventive actions. Results Accurate knowledge of transmission, prevention, symptoms, and prevalence was low, with mean knowledge scores around 50% correct. Preventive action against HBV and liver cancer was also low. Only 59.8% reported having been checked for HBV, 14.6% reported having been screened for liver cancer, 17.6% reported having been vaccinated for HBV, and only 24.6% of survey respondents with children reported their children were vaccinated for HBV. Predictors of overall knowledge and preventive actions in regression analyses included country of birth, education, and age group. Conclusions Our results suggest a need for increased health intervention on two levels: more effective design and targeting of information. Interventions should target high-risk groups and those with low knowledge and preventive actions as revealed in the study.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants in this session will be able to

• Describe current level of hepatitis B and liver cancer knowledge and preventive action in the Chinese American community
• Identify predictors of low hepatitis B and liver cancer knowledge and preventive action within the community
• Design and implement more effective and targeted hepatitis B and liver cancer health education and intervention in the high risk Chinese American population or initiate similar studies in other API populations

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Asian and Pacific Islander

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.