Hepatitis b knowledge and perception of stigma

Introduction: Since 2011, Hepatitis B Foundation has been conducting educational outreach in Philadelphia to increase awareness and knowledge about hepatitis B (HBV) in high-risk Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. An educational seminar was developed, implemented and evaluated to assess the impact on HBV knowledge, awareness and stigma-beliefs.

Methods: Seminars were conducted between November 2011 and May 2012, in three languages: English, Mandarin Chinese, and Indonesian. Participants were asked to complete the same questionnaire prior to and following participation in the seminar to allow for a measure of change in knowledge, awareness, and stigma-beliefs. In-language questionnaires were made available to participants. Differences in knowledge scores pre/post seminar were compared and then analyzed by paired t-test.

Results: Baseline knowledge of HBV transmission and prevention varied at baseline with 53-78% of questions correctly answered. About half of participants indicated that people with HBV are likely to be avoided. Post-seminar, correct knowledge of HBV constructs improved approximately 20%. However, the belief that HBV is a “genetic” condition did not generally change post-seminar. Overall awareness improved regarding HBV resources, as did participant comfort level talking about HBV infection with friends and providers.

Discussion: HBV is life-threatening and disproportionately affects APIs, however, knowledge remains low and HBV-related stigma plays a role in low screening and vaccination rates. Culturally competent community-based education (content to be shared) can improve awareness and knowledge, and can help link people to resources. Strategies in addition to the impartation of accurate knowledge may help facilitate an individual's uptake of prevention behaviors.