Hepatitis B Research

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide epidemic. Infection often results in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV is also the leading cause of liver cancer. Currently, over two billion people worldwide have been infected with hepatitis B virus and more than 400 million people have chronic HBV infection with majority of the population living in Asia and the Pacific Islands. HBV infection is transmitted through close contact and from mothers to babies. Treatment is available to slow down the progression of HBV infection, however, it is very difficult to detect HBV infection without blood test since most carriers do not display any symptoms. Individuals can also be vaccinated against HBV infection.

The spread of HBV virus is a rising health concern among the Asian American communities. Currently, there is no population based study of prevalence of HBV infection among Asian Americans nationally in the United States, however, regional studies have indicated that Asian Americans are affected by HBV disproportionately. According to Asian Liver Foundation at Stanford University, approximately 0.3% of the US population has chronic hepatitis B infection and Asian Americans make up more than half of the infected population. Regional assessments of the prevalence of HBV infection indicate that 10-15 % of Asian Americans are chronic HBV carriers, which is significantly higher than the national average. A recent study revealed that over 15% of Asians/Pacific Islanders have chronic HBV infection in New York City. This is a clear indication that interventions are necessary and important to reduce HBV infections among Asian Americans. Some suggestions of intervention method include educating the general public about HBV virus and promoting vaccinations against HBV virus. A survey study of Cambodian American women showed that only slightly more than half of recruited population had heard of HBV infection and less than a quarter of the population were aware that HBV could be transmitted through contact. These are alarming findings. Factors contributing to the lack of knowledge about HBV infection are low education and the presence of health disparity in United States.

HAAP’s HBV screening and education program was initiated in the year of 2006. The objectives of the HBV screening and education program are to identify Asian American population who are chronic HBV patients, to provide educational information about hepatitis B disease to the Asian American community, and to promote vaccinations to those who have not been vaccinated. HAAP also studies the prevalence of HBV infection in the Midwest since most reports have focused on the east and the west coast of United States. Through annual health fairs, HAAP recruits Asian Americans to participate in the prevalence study of hepatitis B virus infection by providing free HBV screenings.

Currently, there are two hepatitis B virus screening at the upcoming health fairs.

• Date: September 29th, 2007 Location: Grand Rapids
• Date: October 27th, 2007 Location: Madison Heights