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Understanding Hepatitis B Knowledge, Attitudes, and Stigma in the Korean Community in Australia
Youngnam Baek1, Robyn Horwitz2, Loren Brener2
1Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia. young.baek@unsw.edu.au.
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
|September 18, 2025
Summary
Misconceptions about Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission persist in Australia's Korean community despite high vaccination awareness. Culturally tailored education is crucial to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes for HBV.
Area of Science:
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Research
- Public Health Interventions
- Health Disparities in CALD Communities
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant global health challenge, with disproportionate impacts on culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations in Australia.
- The Korean community in Australia faces unique vulnerabilities, including misinformation, stigma, and access barriers related to HBV.
- Despite high vaccination and testing rates, persistent misconceptions about HBV transmission impede effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate knowledge, attitudes, and stigma surrounding Hepatitis B virus (HBV) within the Korean ethnic community in Australia.
- To identify key factors contributing to awareness and misunderstanding of HBV among Korean Australians.
- To inform the development of targeted public health initiatives for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 599 participants through community events and online channels.
- Participants completed validated measures assessing HBV knowledge, perceived stigma, and attitudes towards the virus.
- Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to determine predictors of HBV knowledge.
Main Results:
- While awareness of HBV vaccination and severe health consequences (cirrhosis, liver cancer) was high, significant misconceptions regarding transmission routes were prevalent.
- Stigma associated with HBV was notable, particularly concerning employment, with over half supporting screening for job applicants and a high percentage anticipating discrimination.
- Younger age and personal acquaintance with someone diagnosed with HBV independently predicted higher levels of HBV knowledge.
Conclusions:
- The study underscores the critical need for culturally adapted educational programs to address HBV misinformation and reduce stigma within the Korean Australian population.
- Culturally sensitive and accessible public health interventions are essential to enhance HBV literacy and promote engagement with healthcare services.
- Improving health outcomes for HBV requires a targeted approach that respects cultural nuances and addresses community-specific barriers.
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