Hepatitis B knowledge, screening, and vaccination among Hmong Americans

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Hepatology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Hepatitis B (HB) is a significant global health concern.
• Understanding community-specific knowledge and behaviors is vital for effective prevention strategies.
• The Hmong population in Oregon faces unique health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess knowledge of hepatitis B (HB) among Hmong adults in Oregon.
• To examine HB screening and vaccination behaviors within this population.
• To identify factors associated with HB knowledge and behaviors.

Main Methods:

• In-depth interviews were conducted with 83 Hmong adults aged 18 and older in Oregon.
• Quantitative analysis utilized independent samples t-tests to compare knowledge levels based on demographics.
• Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis to explore understanding of the illness.

Main Results:

• Over 96% of participants had heard of hepatitis B.
• 53% reported being screened, and 50.6% were vaccinated.
• Higher transmission knowledge was linked to younger age, US birth, and seeking preventive care; sequelae knowledge was linked to seeking preventive care.
• Knowledge levels were not associated with screening or vaccination status.
• Most hepatitis B-positive participants lacked a comprehensive understanding of their condition.

Conclusions:

• While awareness of hepatitis B is high among Hmong adults, significant knowledge deficits exist regarding transmission and sequelae.
• Current knowledge levels do not strongly correlate with screening or vaccination behaviors.
• Interventions must focus on improving health literacy and addressing specific knowledge gaps, particularly for Hmong individuals diagnosed with hepatitis B.