Canadian Journal of Public Health
Volume 98, Issue 2, 2007, Pages 125-129

Hepatitis B knowledge, testing and vaccination levels in Chinese immigrants to British Columbia, Canada (Article)

Hislop T.G.* , Teh C. , Low A. , Li L. , Tu S.-P. , Yasui Y. , Taylor V.M.
  • a Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
  • b Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • c Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • d Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
  • e Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • f Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
  • g Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States

Abstract

Background: Little is known about hepatitis B (HBV) and liver cancer control in Chinese in Canada. Liver cancer, a significant health problem in Asia, is preventable and can be controlled through HBV blood testing, vaccination, and community education about HBV. Objective: The overall goal was to increase HBV testing and vaccination in Chinese adult Canadians. The objective was to present findings on HBV testing, vaccination and knowledge in Chinese immigrants. Methods: 504 randomly selected Chinese adult immigrants residing in Vancouver responded to the survey which examined HBV blood testing and vaccination practices, HBV knowledge levels and socio-demographic characteristics. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in Cantonese, Mandarin, or English. Results: 57% of participants reported that they had received HBV blood testing, 38% had been vaccinated, and 6% were known HBV carriers. There were gender differences, with lower rates of testing and vaccination, and higher chronic carrier rates, among men. Over 80% knew that HBV can be spread by asymptomatic persons and can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, confusion existed about the routes of HBV transmission. Interpretation: A sizeable proportion of Chinese adult immigrants in Vancouver have not been tested or vaccinated for HBV. Knowledge level, especially about routes of HBV transmission, was low. This is a concern, given that chronic HBV infection is the most common cause of liver cancer in Asian North Americans. To improve knowledge, reduce risk of infection and the burden of chronic infection and its sequelae in immigrant populations, continuing educational efforts are needed.

Author Keywords

Attitudes Asian continental ancestry group Practices Liver neoplasms Hepatitis B Emigration and immigration Health knowledge

Index Keywords

education liver tumor Liver Neoplasms China Asian human middle aged Asian continental ancestry group Health Surveys ethnology Humans virology male Canada female risk factor Risk Factors questionnaire Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article Questionnaires Hepatitis B Vaccines adult migration hepatitis B vaccine Emigration and Immigration hepatitis B British Columbia attitude to health health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34249729436&partnerID=40&md5=ccee531d1f76fb7ae794f3635bd5cdcc
ISSN: 00084263
Cited by: 45
Original Language: English