Contextual factors influencing hepatitis B knowledge and perceptions: Understanding the similarities and differences among the Chinese and Korean communities in New York City

Background: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is especially high among Asian Americans. However, poor knowledge of the virus persists within communities. Obtaining information about the extent of knowledge and attitudes towards hepatitis B among specific segments of the Korean and Chinese population is needed to devise a tailored HBV educational campaign.

Methods: Street-intercept and Venue-based surveying was conducted with Korean and Chinese adults in NYC during 2008-2009 (N=800). Survey questions included HBV knowledge levels, screening and vaccination, and social-demographic, cultural, and lifestyle characteristics.

Results: Both Chinese and Korean report "feeling well" as the primary reason for not getting screened or vaccinated. Close to one-third of Chinese and half of Korean respondents indicate that sharing utensils and eating unclean food were primary routes of infection. Overall, results demonstrate similarities across the groups; however, differences have also been captured. For example, while close to half of Korean respondents believe they could be infected with HBV, only 6% of Chinese respondents agreed. Data will be further analyzed to identify differences and to gain an understanding of the findings as it relates to age, gender, and province of origin in home country.

Discussion: Preliminary data analysis indicates that while an overall outreach theme may be applicable across groups, messages will likely need to be tailored for specific segments groups of the target population.