The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58264

Jenny Yi, PhD, MPH¹, Stephanie E Meyers, MEd², and Georgia Cruz, MEd¹. (1) University of Houston, 3855 Holman St., Houston, TX 77204, (2) Health Program, University of Houston, 3855 Holman St. Garrison Bldg. 104, Houston, TX 77204-6321, 713-743-9841, scmeyers@hotmail.com

Texas has the fourth largest population of Asian Americans in the United States and Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic community in Houston. Asian Pacific Islanders constitute approximately 6.0% of the total population in Houston. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a greater incidence and prevalence for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and tend to suffer greater negative effects than other minority populations. Studies have shown that immunization is effective in preventing HBV transmission; therefore, in order to implement effective strategies to improve vaccination rates, a baseline must be determined. The purpose of this study was to determine a baseline vaccination rate for Hepatitis B among Asian American school age children in Houston. The data presented in this presentation is from twenty-three schools in the Houston Independent School District HISD. The following information was gathered for each student at the schools sampled: date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, and date of HBV shots, if any. The total number of Asian American students included in this study was 1,957. Of these, 48.3% were male and 51.7% were female. Approximately, one-half (49.1%) of students received all three shots in the series, but 37.5% had never received the hepatitis B series. Of those that completed none or all three shots in the series, the mean ages were 14.1 years and 9.4 years, respectively. This data supports previous research that API children and adolescents are not being immunized at an acceptable rate. Implications of the study findings will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to understand the levels of Hepatitis B immunization rates among Asian American students and determine what health care providers need to know in oder to better serve Asian Americans.

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Asian Americans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.