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307440
Using GIS mapping to inform community-based hepatitis B screening strategies
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Chari A. Cohen, MPH, DrPH(c)
,
Department of Public Health Research, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA
Hillary Hei
,
Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA
Patrick Wiggins, MPH
,
Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA
Victoria Ng, BA ( c )
,
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Raymond Lum, MPhil, MS
,
School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and, within the U.S., disproportionally affects foreign born Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) and Africans. Nearly 75% of infected individuals are not aware of their infection status due to various barriers, including language, socioeconomic status, transportation, insurance coverage, literacy, and stigma. To address this issue, the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) provided free HBV screening blood tests to over 1,000 high risk individuals around the Greater Philadelphia area through its local campaign, Hep B United Philadelphia, between 2012 and 2013. The screening locations were determined through recommendations from foreign-born community leaders. The program included linkage to care for individuals found to be infected or in need of HBV vaccination. Participant census tract and additional demographic data were collected at the community-based HBV screening events, while infection status was determined via lab tests. Collected data were mapped using GIS mapping software to visually illustrate the prevalence, proximity to health care providers, and geographic areas lacking resources for hepatitis B care within Philadelphia. Additionally, participant demographic data were compared to foreign-born API and African census data to create maps that depict the screening rate within each census tract. Neighborhoods with high percentages of high-risk residents as well as neighborhoods with low resources and low screening rates were identified using the maps. GIS mapping provides vital visual information that directs strategic prioritization for future HBF programming and enhances the program’s cultural competency.
Learning Areas:
Communication and informatics
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate the process of designing GIS maps for community based hepatitis B screening program evaluation
Formulate strategies for future outreach efforts using GIS mapping
Keyword(s): Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Hepatitis B
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the program manager overseeing Hepatitis B Foundation's Philadelphia coalition and campaign--Hep B United Philadelphia--since 2011, and has been the planner and organizer of our community based screening events. I worked with the co-authors of this abstract from the beginning, and was involved with data collection, map design, analysis, and strategic planning of future outreach activities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
