Original Article

Hepatitis B Screening Practice among Older Chinese in the Greater Washington, DC, Area

Authors: Miho Tanaka, PhD, MPH, Edmund Gehan, PhD, Mei-yu Chen, MS, Judy Huei-yu Wang, PhD

Abstract

Objectives: Older Chinese Americans are at greater risk of contracting hepatitis B virus (HBV) because they were born before the implementation of universal childhood vaccination policies. This study examined the prevalence of HBV screening, test results, and predictors of HBV screening among older Chinese.

Methods: Two hundred fifty-two Chinese immigrants (older than 50 years) recruited from Chinese-speaking physicians’ offices in the Washington, DC, area participated in a cancer screening questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical logistic regressions were conducted.

Results: Among the 164 participants (65%) who underwent HBV screening, 66% reported that they were susceptible to HBV infection. Stronger self-care beliefs, longer US residency, lower HBV knowledge, and lack of physician recommendations were independently and negatively associated with HBV screening.

Conclusions: Many older Chinese did not adhere to HBV screening guidelines because of cultural views and information deficiency. Culturally appropriate interventions aimed to enhance their knowledge and communication with physicians about HBV are needed for promoting screening.

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