CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
April 2005, Volume 19, Number 4 : 245-249

Cross-sectional study of hepatitis B awareness among Chinese and Southeast
Asian Canadians in the Vancouver-Richmond community

J Cheung, TK Lee, C-Z Teh, CYM Wang, WCP Kwan,
EM Yoshida

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B (HBV) is endemic and a leading cause of morbidity
and mortality in Asia. British Columbia has the highest proportion of
Chinese and Southeast Asians among all Canadian provinces. The present study
was designed to evaluate the degree of concern for and knowledge of HBV in
this high-risk community.

METHODS: Unselected patrons of two large Asian commercial
centres in Richmond, British Columbia were surveyed. The variables studied
were population demographics, concern for HBV, level of HBV knowledge and
awareness of HBV-related cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Associations were assessed using c2 testing and multiple logistic regression
analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 1008 individuals participated in the survey. Fifteen
incomplete surveys were excluded. Only 7.7% felt that HBV was not a concern
for the community. Only 13% of respondents felt that HBV education was
adequate in the community. The main sources of community health education
were their doctor? office (56.3%) and media (49.1%). A high number stated
they were ?ware?of HBV (68%) but over 60% were unaware that HBV could cause
HCC or cirrhosis and only 61.3% scored a ?easonable?level of HBV knowledge.
Higher HBV knowledge was significantly associated with increasing age
(P<0.001), higher education (P<0.001) and the use of media for health
education (P<0.001). Awareness that HBV may cause HCC and cirrhosis was
significantly associated with age (P<0.001), education (P=0.006) and
birthplace (P=0.001).

INTERPRETATION: HBV education is necessary in this local Asian community.
Programs should target younger, less educated adults and elaborate on the
potential serious health consequences of HBV. Vehicles for public education
should include the physicians?offices and local media.