Abstract
Cambodian Americans have an elevated risk of liver cancer. This health disparity is attributable to high rates of hepatitis
B virus (HBV) infection. Our study examined factors associated with HBV testing among Cambodian men and women. A population-based
survey was conducted in the Seattle area. The Health Behavior Framework guided our survey instrument development. We attempted
to interview a man and a woman in each household. The sample included 300 men and 367 women. About one-half of the male (45%)
and female (54%) respondents had been tested for HBV. Two factors were independently associated with testing among men and
women: a doctor had recommended testing and had asked a doctor for testing. Knowing that someone who looks and feels healthy
can spread HBV was independently associated with testing among men. Low levels of HBV testing remain a public health problem
among Cambodians. Interventions should improve patient-provider communication by encouraging providers who serve Cambodians
to recommend HBV testing, as well as by empowering Cambodians to ask for testing.
B virus (HBV) infection. Our study examined factors associated with HBV testing among Cambodian men and women. A population-based
survey was conducted in the Seattle area. The Health Behavior Framework guided our survey instrument development. We attempted
to interview a man and a woman in each household. The sample included 300 men and 367 women. About one-half of the male (45%)
and female (54%) respondents had been tested for HBV. Two factors were independently associated with testing among men and
women: a doctor had recommended testing and had asked a doctor for testing. Knowing that someone who looks and feels healthy
can spread HBV was independently associated with testing among men. Low levels of HBV testing remain a public health problem
among Cambodians. Interventions should improve patient-provider communication by encouraging providers who serve Cambodians
to recommend HBV testing, as well as by empowering Cambodians to ask for testing.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9536-8
- Authors
- Victoria M. Taylor, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (M3-B232), 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Roshan Bastani, Department of Health Services, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Nancy Burke, Department of Anthropology, History and Social Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Jocelyn Talbot, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (M3-B232), 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Channdara Sos, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (M3-B232), 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Qi Liu, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- J. Carey Jackson, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Yutaka Yasui, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912