The Effects of Hepatitis B in Asian Pacific Islander Communities

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 5% of the total population in the United States are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), but make up more than 50% of nearly one million Americans living with chronic hepatitis B. Without treatment, around 15-25% of those with chronic hepatitis B develop liver diseases, including cirrhosis, liver damage, and liver cancer. Even though Hepatitis B is preventable and treatable, up to 1 million people die from hepatitis B worldwide. Hepatitis is considered the “silent epidemic” because unlike many other virus infecting diseases, has very little to no symptoms at early stages. The only way to diagnosed someone with hepatitis B is through a specific blood test for the hepatitis B virus. Although many community-based organizations and programs have worked together to implement health fairs and screenings to combat the spread and occurrence of hepatitis in AAPIs, the majority of patients who received their test results failed to follow-up with their providers.

There are a number of barriers that prevent AAPIs from getting screened and treated for hepatitis. Low-rate of HBV screening has been associated with patient-related barriers such as knowledge about hepatitis, in addition with myths related to the disease. Language barrier makes it difficult for individuals with limited English proficiency or with no English-speaking member in the family to communicate with healthcare providers, as well as understanding and navigating the healthcare system. In addition to the language barrier, the complex healthcare system in the US prevents many Asian American, especially those who are uninsured and/or of low socioeconomic status to learn about how the system works, what are the health and social services available, and how can they benefit.

Sources: CDC Features. (2017, May 15). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/features/celebrate-api-month/index.html