Reducing Liver Cancer Disparities - A Community-based Hepatitis B Prevention Program for the Asian American Communities in Maryland

Chiehwen Ed Hsu, University of Maryland College Park

Abstract

Objectives: Several Asian-American groups are at a higher risk of dying of liver diseases attributable to Hepatitis B infection. This culturally diverse community should be well informed of and protected against liver diseases. The present study assesses the knowledge of Hepatitis B before and after a Hepatitis B educational program and determines the infection status of an Asian community. Methods: Nine Asian communities of Montgomery County, Maryland enrolled in the Hepatitis B prevention program between Year 2005 and 2006. They attended culturally-tailored lectures on prevention, completed self administered pre-and-post tests, and received blood screening for the disease. Results: More than 800 Asian Americans participated in the study. Knowledge of prevention was improved after educational delivery. The average infection rate was 4.5%, with Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean groups had higher infection rates. Age group of 36-45 had the highest percentage of carriers (9.1%). Conclusion Many Asian groups, particularly those of a Southeast Asian decent, were subject to a higher probability of Hepatitis B infection. At an increased risk are first eneration Asian immigrants, groups with low immunization rates, and those aged 36-45. The findings provide potential directions for focusing preventive interventions on at-risk Asian community to reduce liver cancer disparities.