Hepatitis B knowledge, testing, and vaccination among Chinese and Vietnamese adults in Australia

Asia Pac J Public Health. 2012 Mar;24(2):374-84. doi: 10.1177/1010539510390205. Epub 2010 Dec 15.

Abstract

Hepatitis B is a significant public health challenge within some subpopulations in Australia, including Chinese and Vietnamese migrants. There has been limited research on hepatitis B knowledge and actions in these communities. The authors conducted a self-administered survey among 442 Chinese and 433 Vietnamese in Brisbane. Generally, the knowledge is best described as "moderate." One in 2 could not identify the sexual transmission risk and less than one third knew that sharing foods or drinks did not spread the disease. The majority of Vietnamese (80%) and 60% of Chinese respondents indicated prior testing. Vaccination was reported in 60% of the Vietnamese and in 52% of the Chinese. Knowledge was better among Chinese people who had been tested and vaccinated compared with those who were nontested and nonvaccinated. Only 3.5% of the Chinese, but 11.6% of the Vietnamese, indicated having a positive test result hepatitis B virus. This study helps identify strategies for programs targeting both communities and practitioners.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asian People / psychology*
  • Asian People / statistics & numerical data
  • Australia
  • China / ethnology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / ethnology*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis B* / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis B* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / ethnology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Vietnam / ethnology

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Vaccines