Hepatitis B knowledge and practices among Cambodian immigrants.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B infection is the most common cause of liver cancer among Cambodians. Our objective was to describe Cambodian Americans' hepatitis B knowledge, testing, and vaccination levels. METHODS: A community-based telephone survey was conducted in Seattle. Our study sample included 111 individuals. RESULTS: Less than one half (46%) of our study group had received a hepatitis B blood test, and about one third (35%) had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Only 43% knew that Cambodians are more likely to be infected with hepatitis B than whites. CONCLUSIONS: Over 50% of our respondents did not recall being tested for hepatitis B. We identified important knowledge deficits about hepatitis B. Continued efforts should be made to implement hepatitis B educational campaigns for Cambodians.