Association between informational support and hepatitis b screening among Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese adults

Background: Asian Americans are at high-risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, relatively little is known about the determinants of adherence to HBV screening, including association with informational support. Objective: To examine association between informational support and hepatitis B virus screening among Asian Americans. Methods: We used data of 872 Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese recruited for a liver cancer prevention program in Maryland during 2009 to 2010. Informational support was measured by recommendations from physicians, family members and friends, and inquiring a doctor about HBV screening. Outcome was self-reported HBV screening status. Results: 410 (47%) respondents reported previous HBV screening. Only 19.8% (n=173) recalled a physician recommendation. After controlling for potential confounders, higher level of HBV screening were among people who reported having physician recommendation (Odds ratio (OR) = 8.2, 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 5.2, 12.7), family member recommendation (OR = 6.0, 95% CI= 4.0, 9.0) and friend recommendation (OR = 4.1, 95% CI= 2.5, 6.5). Participants who had more than one types of recommendations are more likely to have HBV screening compared to those without any recommendation (OR = 10.4, 95% CI= 6.4, 19.9). People who inquired a doctor about HBV screening were strongly associated with screening status (OR = 11.1, 95% CI= 6.8, 18.2). The association was stronger among well educated than less educated. Conclusions: Recommendations from doctors, family members and friends were strongly associated with HBV screening. Clearly, information support from physician and social networks should be encouraged for HBV screening among Asian Americans.