Determining a way to measure the level of stigma associated with hepatitis B in Asian and Pacific Islander communities

Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a significantly prevalent disease condition among Asians and Pacific Islanders (API), affecting as much as 10-15% of APIs nationally. Most affected are immigrants from East and Southeast Asia, where CHB education and testing and vaccination rates are low. Current efforts seek to reduce the impact of CHB and the spread of hepatitis B among APIs however these efforts are potentially hampered by stigma associated with a chronic infection and carrier status. Objective/purpose: Hepatitis B-related stigma can be attributed to the stigma-related practices, norms, and experiences from API immigrants' countries of origin; these constructs are carried over and continued in the US. Currently, the stigma associated with hepatitis B has not been significantly researched and few measures quantify the level of stigma communities face. Hepatitis B-related stigma presents a potential barrier to health intervention efforts. This warrants increased attention and additional study. Methods: A literature review was conducted on hepatitis B-related stigma and discrimination. Results: Based on the findings, a brief survey scale was created to assess hepatitis B stigma. Question items were adapted from stigma scales for other health conditions. Discussion: The paucity of past research resulted in difficulty in generating a comprehensive survey scale, confirming the need for additional study. The survey was piloted with a Vietnamese community sample in New York City. Demographics of the Vietnamese population surveyed and the results of the stigma questions will be presented.