Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccination Practices in Asian American Primary Care

Background/Aims

Screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) is recommended in populations with anticipated prevalence ≥2%. This study surveyed HBV screening and vaccination practices of Asian American primary care providers (PCPs).

Methods

Approximately 15,000 PCPs with Asian surnames in the New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago areas were invited to participate in a web-based survey. Asian American PCPs with ≥25% Asian patients in their practice were eligible.

Results

Of 430 (2.9%) survey respondents, 217 completed the survey. Greater than 50% followed ≥200 Asian patients. Although 95% of PCPs claimed to have screened patients for HBV, 41% estimated that ≤25% of their adult Asian patients had ever been screened, and 50% did not routinely screen all Asian patients. In a multivariable analysis, the proportion of Asian patients in the practice, provider geographic origin and the number of liver cancers diagnosed in the preceding 12 months were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of screening for HBV. Over 80% of respondents reported that ≤50% of their adult Asian patients had received the HBV vaccine.

Conclusions

Screening and vaccination for HBV in Asian American patients is inadequate. Measures to improve HBV knowledge and care by primary-care physicians are critically needed.