Hepatitis B knowledge and practices among Cambodian immigrants

J Cancer Educ. 2009;24(2):100-4. doi: 10.1080/08858190802664750.

Abstract

Background: Chronic hepatitis B infection is the most common cause of liver cancer among Cambodians. Our objective was to describe Cambodian Americans' hepatitis B knowledge, testing, and vaccination levels.

Methods: A community-based telephone survey was conducted in Seattle. Our study sample included 111 individuals.

Results: Less than one half (46%) of our study group had received a hepatitis B blood test, and about one third (35%) had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Only 43% knew that Cambodians are more likely to be infected with hepatitis B than whites.

Conclusions: Over 50% of our respondents did not recall being tested for hepatitis B. We identified important knowledge deficits about hepatitis B. Continued efforts should be made to implement hepatitis B educational campaigns for Cambodians.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Asian / psychology*
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Female
  • Health Education / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Surveys
  • Hepatitis B / ethnology*
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis B / transmission
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis B virus / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data
  • Washington

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Vaccines