Insight into hepatitis B prevalence and risk factors among Vietnamese Americans: a cross-sectional analysis of data from a community-based screening program

• Main Authors: Alice W Lee, Wura Jacobs, Elena Chan, Becky Nguyen, Dung N Hua, John N Ho, Priscilla Yuen, Thai Van Nguyen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMJ Publishing Group 2019-08-01
• Series: BMJ Open
• Online Access: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/8/e029616.full

ObjectivesThe aims of our study were to describe current hepatitis B prevalence among Vietnamese Americans and to examine predictors of hepatitis B risk in this specific ethnic community.DesignCross-sectional analysis of data from a community-based screening program.SettingThis analysis was based on hepatitis screening community events in Southern California.Participants2508 Vietnamese Americans in Southern California.Outcome measuresSerological tests for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody, and total hepatitis B core antibody were used to classify participants as one of four hepatitis B infection statuses: currently infected, previously infected, susceptible, or immune due to a previous hepatitis B vaccination.ResultsAcross 2508 participants, 9.0% were currently infected with hepatitis B and 17.7% were at risk for hepatitis B. Females and those reporting a previous hepatitis B vaccination were at significant decreased risk of hepatitis B (OR=0.48, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.69 and OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.93, respectively) whereas those born outside of the USA and with a family history of the disease showed substantial increased risk (OR=13.36, 95% CI 1.62 to 110.05 and OR=4.68, 95% CI 2.66 to 8.22, respectively). Among those who reported a previous hepatitis B vaccination, less than half (42.9%) possessed the protective antibodies that result from a hepatitis B vaccination.ConclusionsVietnamese Americans remain disproportionately burdened by hepatitis B. Public health efforts that focus on improving hepatitis B awareness and vaccination knowledge and that are tailored to specific high-risk subgroups, such as immigrants and those with infected family members, could help in addressing the disease’s burden in this high-prevalence population.