Multilevel Factors Influencing Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccination among Vietnamese Americans in Atlanta, Georgia

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-12-2014

Publication Title

Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine

Volume

87

Issue

4

First page number:

455

Last page number:

471

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may lead to liver cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, and liver cancer. Immunization rates are suboptimal among Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), who remain disproportionately affected by these illnesses. We investigated socioecological factors affecting HBV prevention among 316 Vietnamese Americans in Atlanta, Georgia. Social and community support of HBV vaccination was associated with screening (OR=1.69, 95% CI [1.21,2.38]), vaccination (OR=1.89, [1.27,2.81]), and intent to vaccinate (OR=1.77, [1.13,2.78]). Misconceptions decreased screening likelihood (OR=0.67, [0.46,0.99]) and vaccination (OR=0.55, [0.35,0.86]). Those able to pay for medical treatment (OR=1.23, [1.01,1.50]) were also more likely immunized, and greater transportation access (OR=1.42, [1.07,1.87]) was associated with greater intention to vaccinate. Multi-level factors facilitated HBV vaccination in this population. Tailored, culturally appropriate communication strategies will positively influence immunization uptake.

Keywords

Hepatitis B; Vaccine acceptability; Vaccine refusal; Health disparities; Community attitudes; Community intervention; Asian Americans; Vietnamese American

Disciplines

Public Health

Language

English


Search your library

Share

COinS