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Barriers to Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Asian Americans

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Abstract

Background

Routine screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can identify individuals who need vaccination or treatment, as vaccination can prevent HBV infection. Although the overall prevalence of HBV infection in the United States is low (<1%), it is high (~10%) in Asian Americans. However, HBV screening rates in this population have been reported to be low.

Aims

This article systemically reviews the reported prevalence of HBV infection, the rate of HBV screening and access to HBV care, barriers for HBV screening and care, and a possible approach for improving HBV screening in Asian Americans.

Methods

Articles published from 1999 to 2011 on HBV screening and disparity in Asian Americans were identified by searching electronic databases (PubMed and Cochrane Library), and reviewed.

Results

Published studies, including a recent report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, revealed HBV screening rates are low in Asian Americans. This review addresses the need for HBV screening in Asian Americans. Barriers to HBV screening are related to patients, providers, and/or the healthcare system. Screening programs that incorporate culturally sensitive interventions and include educational outreach, vaccination, and a link to healthcare services improve rates of HBV screening and vaccination in this at-risk community.

Conclusions

A strategy that integrates efforts from the healthcare profession, federal agencies, and the community will be needed to improve HBV screening and access to HBV care for Asian Americans.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Brigid Kane and John Zawadzki for their assistance in the preparation of the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

Dr. Ke-Qin Hu received grants from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Gilead Sciences Inc., Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Genentech Pharmaceutics, Merck Corporation, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Hu is also a member of the speaker bureau of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Genentech Pharmaceutics, Gilead Sciences Inc., Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck Corporation, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Calvin Q. Pan received grants from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Gilead Sciences, Inc, Schering-Plough, Novartis, Idenix and Roche Pharmaceutics. Dr. Pan has received compensation for services related to consulting, teaching, and participation on advisory boards at Axcan Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences Inc, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Novartis, Idenix, Schering-Plough and Pharmasset. Diane Goodwin is a former employee and current stockholder of Gilead Sciences, Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of GI/Hepatology, University of California, Irvine, 101, The City Drive, Building 56, Rt. 81, Rm. 231, Orange, CA, 92868, USA

    Ke-Qin Hu

  2. Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Calvin Q. Pan

  3. Pharmacy Department, Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC, USA

    Diane Goodwin

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Hu, KQ., Pan, C.Q. & Goodwin, D. Barriers to Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Asian Americans. Dig Dis Sci 56, 3163–3171 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-011-1840-6

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