An Intersectional Approach to Hepatitis B

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Hepatitis B is a chronic viral infection often acquired in early life, potentially leading to liver cirrhosis and cancer.
• The condition disproportionately affects populations in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and their diasporas.
• Sex, gender, race, ethnicity, class, and geography significantly influence the physical, psychological, and social impacts of Hepatitis B and access to care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for an intersectional approach in addressing Hepatitis B.
• To integrate biomedical understanding with community-based health beliefs and lived experiences.
• To promote equitable and effective responses to the biopsychosocial complexities of Hepatitis B.

Main Methods:

• This study presents an argument for an intersectional framework.
• It emphasizes community leadership in shaping health responses.
• It explores the integration of biomedical interventions with diverse cultural health belief models.

Main Results:

• Biomedical advancements have improved Hepatitis B prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Existing health inequities create barriers to timely and sensitive care.
• Community-led, intersectional approaches can bridge the gap between biomedicine and diverse explanatory models.

Conclusions:

• An intersectional approach, prioritizing affected communities, can create more equitable and effective Hepatitis B strategies.
• Integrating lived experiences with biomedical science is crucial for addressing the biopsychosocial aspects of Hepatitis B.
• This approach holds the potential to improve health and reduce mortality for people living with Hepatitis B.