Prevalence and Susceptibility to Hepatitis B virus and the Need for Community Health Education in Milwaukee ’s Hmong Community

This study sought to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection and assess the need for community HBV education within Milwaukee County’s Hmong.MethodsBetween 3/2013 and 12/2019, 287 Hmong participants were screened for HBV and 271 were provided targeted HBV education to evaluate its impact on HBV knowledge.ResultsAmong participants screened, 178 (62%) were immune; 77 (27%) susceptible; 27 (9%) positive; and 5 (2%) in a “gray zone.” Targeted health education showed statistically significant improvement in HBV knowledge.DiscussionWith 38% lacking immunity to HBV and 9% with active infection, there remains a significant need for HBV screening, vaccination, and education in Milwaukee ’s Hmong community.
Source: Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research