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. 2007 Aug;99(8):900–907.

Reducing liver cancer disparities: a community-based hepatitis-B prevention program for Asian-American communities.

Chiehwen Ed Hsu 1, Louis Chih-Hung Liu 1, Hee-Soon Juon 1, Yu-Wen Chiu 1, Julie Bawa 1, Ulder Tillman 1, Mark Li 1, Jerry Miller 1, MinQi Wang 1
PMCID: PMC2574302  PMID: 17722668

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Several Asian-American groups are at a higher risk of dying of liver diseases attributable to hepatitis-B infection. This culturally diverse community should be well informed of and protected against liver diseases. The present study assesses the knowledge of hepatitis B before and after a hepatitis-B educational program and determines the infection status of an Asian community. METHODS: Nine Asian communities of Montgomery County, MD, enrolled in the hepatitis-B prevention program between 2005 and 2006. They attended culturally tailored lectures on prevention, completed self-administered pre- and posttests, and received blood screening for the disease. RESULTS: More than 800 Asian Americans participated in the study. Knowledge of prevention was improved after educational delivery. The average infection rate was 4.5%, with Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean groups having higher infection rates. The age group of 36-45 had the highest percentage of carriers (9.1%). CONCLUSION: Many Asian groups, particularly those of a southeast Asian decent, were subject to a higher probability of hepatitis-B infection. At an increased risk are first-generation Asian immigrants, groups with low immunization rates and those aged 36-45. The findings provide potential directions for focusing preventive interventions on at-risk Asian communities to reduce liver cancer disparities.

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Selected References

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