BMJ Open
Volume 9, Issue 8, 2019

Insight into hepatitis B prevalence and risk factors among Vietnamese Americans: A cross-sectional analysis of data from a community-based screening program (Article) (Open Access)

Lee A.W.* , Jacobs W. , Chan E. , Nguyen B. , Hua D.N. , Ho J.N. , Yuen P. , Van Nguyen T.
  • a Department of Public Health, California State University, Fullerton, CA, United States
  • b Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock, CA, United States
  • c Department of Public Health, California State University, Fullerton, CA, United States
  • d Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation, Fountain Valley, CA, United States
  • e Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation, Fountain Valley, CA, United States
  • f Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation, Fountain Valley, CA, United States
  • g Department of Public Health, California State University, Fullerton, CA, United States
  • h Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation, Fountain Valley, CA, United States

Abstract

Objectives The aims of our study were to describe current hepatitis B prevalence among Vietnamese Americans and to examine predictors of hepatitis B risk in this specific ethnic community. Design Cross-sectional analysis of data from a community-based screening program. Setting This analysis was based on hepatitis screening community events in Southern California. Participants 2508 Vietnamese Americans in Southern California. Outcome measures Serological tests for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody, and total hepatitis B core antibody were used to classify participants as one of four hepatitis B infection statuses: currently infected, previously infected, susceptible, or immune due to a previous hepatitis B vaccination. Results Across 2508 participants, 9.0% were currently infected with hepatitis B and 17.7% were at risk for hepatitis B. Females and those reporting a previous hepatitis B vaccination were at significant decreased risk of hepatitis B (OR=0.48, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.69 and OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.93, respectively) whereas those born outside of the USA and with a family history of the disease showed substantial increased risk (OR=13.36, 95% CI 1.62 to 110.05 and OR=4.68, 95% CI 2.66 to 8.22, respectively). Among those who reported a previous hepatitis B vaccination, less than half (42.9%) possessed the protective antibodies that result from a hepatitis B vaccination. Conclusions Vietnamese Americans remain disproportionately burdened by hepatitis B. Public health efforts that focus on improving hepatitis B awareness and vaccination knowledge and that are tailored to specific high-risk subgroups, such as immigrants and those with infected family members, could help in addressing the disease's burden in this high-prevalence population. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Author Keywords

Hepatitis B Public health Epidemiology Vietnamese

Index Keywords

vietnamese human middle aged ethnic group Aged screening cross-sectional study American male female prevalence Article adult infection risk serology hepatitis B surface antibody vietnamese american hepatitis B surface antigen family history ethnicity vaccination hepatitis B hepatitis B core antibody
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85071521822&doi=10.1136%2fbmjopen-2019-029616&partnerID=40&md5=685c04888d8978ec405d3f3001245dbb
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029616
ISSN: 20446055
Original Language: English