Related Experiment Videos
Hepatitis B knowledge and practices among Chinese American women in Seattle, Washington
Matthew J Thompson1, Victoria M Taylor, J Carey Jackson
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-4696, USA. mjt@u.washington.edu
Background:
Chinese Americans have higher rates of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, resulting in higher incidences of liver cancer, compared with the general population.
Methods:
The authors conducted a community-based survey of HBV knowledge and preventive practices among Chinese American women in Seattle, Washington, during 1999.
Results:
Less than half (46%) of the respondents knew that HBV could cause liver cancer. Only 35% reported that they had been serologically tested for HBV, and most of those who knew they were susceptible (61%) had not been vaccinated.
Conclusions:
The findings indicate low levels of HBV knowledge, screening, and vaccination among Chinese immigrants. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce the burden of HBV infection and liver cancer in this community.