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Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Among Three Asian American Sub-Groups: A Focus Group Inquiry

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Abstract

Prevalence of hepatitis B among Asian Americans is higher than for any other ethnic group in the United States. Since more than 50% of liver cancer is hepatitis B related, the burden of morbidity and mortality is extremely high among Asian Americans, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate interventions. We conducted focus groups (n = 8) with a total of 58 Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese immigrants in Maryland to explore knowledge, awareness and perceived barriers toward hepatitis B screening and vaccinations. Thematic analysis uncovered generally low levels of knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B risks, screening, and vaccination; inter-generational differences; and barriers to prevention. Some differences arose across ethnic groups, particularly toward perceived orientation to preventive activities and the role of religious groups. High rates of hepatitis B infection among Asian Americans highlight the need for tailored interventions. These findings may assist policy strategists in implementing interventions that will facilitate the integration and scale-up of hepatitis B education, screening, and vaccination campaigns.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Cancer Institute (R25CA1290452: PI: Hee-Soon Juon). We wish to thank the participants and members of Community Advisory Board for their support and cooperation in this project. We are also grateful to Carol Strong, Hien Tran, Hyeyeon Yoon, Tram Pham, Lu Chen for conducting focus groups and transcription.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Morgan M. Philbin, Lori A. H. Erby & Hee-Soon Juon

  2. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA

    Sunmin Lee

Authors
  1. Morgan M. Philbin
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  2. Lori A. H. Erby
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  3. Sunmin Lee
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  4. Hee-Soon Juon
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Correspondence to Morgan M. Philbin.

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Philbin, M.M., Erby, L.A.H., Lee, S. et al. Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Among Three Asian American Sub-Groups: A Focus Group Inquiry. J Immigrant Minority Health 14, 858–868 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-011-9523-0

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