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Title: Hepatitis B Testing Among Vietnamese in Metropolitan Atlanta: The Role of Healthcare-Related and Acculturation-Related Factors.

Authors: Vu, Milkie; Huynh, Victoria N; Berg, Carla J; Allen, Caitlin G; Nguyen, Phuong-Linh H; Tran, Ngoc-Anh; Srivanjarean, Yotin; Escoffery, Cam

Published In J Community Health, (2021 08)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, U.S. Vietnamese have higher Hepatitis B infection prevalence, which is a major liver cancer risk factor. Increased testing could reduce this disparity. It is critical to understand subgroups of U.S. Vietnamese least likely to have been tested for Hepatitis B and design appropriate interventions. We examined healthcare- and acculturation-related factors influencing Hepatitis B testing among U.S. Vietnamese. METHODS: Survey data of 100 U.S. Vietnamese attending health fairs/programs hosted by community-based organizations (2017-2018) were analyzed. Healthcare-related predictors included insurance and past 2-year checkup. Acculturation-related predictors included Vancouver Acculturation Index, percentage of lifetime in the U.S., and Vietnamese and English fluency. We conducted a multiple logistic regression controlling for age, sex, education, and household income. RESULTS: The sample was an average 37.5 years old and 61.6% female. Insurance coverage was reported by 83.0%. Average percentage of lifetime in the U.S. was 56.8%. Seventy percent reported having received Hepatitis B testing. Hepatitis B testing was associated with health insurance (aOR = 2.61, 95% CI = [1.05-6.47], p = .04) but not any acculturation-related predictors CONCLUSION: Improving insurance coverage and options can be a strategy to increase Hepatitis B testing among U.S. Vietnamese. More education regarding Hepatitis B (e.g., via community-based, culturally-appropriate, lay health worker-led programs) is needed to ensure that individuals are aware of their testing status and pursue appropriate healthcare decisions.

PubMed ID: 33180219 Exiting the NIEHS site

MeSH Terms: Acculturation*; Adult; Asians; Delivery of Health Care; Educational Status; Female; Hepatitis B*/diagnosis; Hepatitis B*/epidemiology; Humans; Male

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