Hepatitis B knowledge, testing, and media preferences among Vietnamese American adults: Are young adults any different from older adults?

Background: Efforts to improve hepatitis B testing among Vietnamese Americans have primarily focused on Vietnamese-speaking adults. Purpose: To understand what is known about hepatitis B prevention in younger and older Vietnamese Americans. Methods: In 2007, we conducted 9 focus groups with 89 Vietnamese Americans in 3 age ranges (18-24, 25-40, and 41-64 years) from 3 northern California counties. We recruited participants from community-based organizations. A trained, bilingual, bicultural facilitator conducted the focus groups in both Vietnamese and English. Participants responded to questions about access to health care and cancer screening; hepatitis B risk, knowledge, and testing; barriers and facilitators to hepatitis B testing; and media preferences. Focus groups were recorded, summarized, and reviewed. Results: Language preference was English for adults ages 18-24, Vietnamese for those ages 41-64, and both English and Vietnamese for those ages 25-40. Adults ages 18-24 often did not seek preventive care except for flu shots. Most participants had heard of hepatitis. Adults ages 18-24 could not differentiate hepatitis B from other strains. Adults ages 41-64 knew more about hepatitis B transmission and testing. Few recalled ever having a blood test specifically for hepatitis B. Cost was the most commonly reported barrier to getting a blood test. Among younger adults, fear of needles was another barrier. Adults ages 18-24 and 25-40 received health information from doctors, family, school, and the Internet. Adults ages 41-64 relied on doctors and ethnic media for information. Conclusion: Strategies to promote hepatitis B testing in Vietnamese Americans should be tailored by age.