The role of culturally appropriate interpersonal communication strategies to reduce hepatitis B and liver cancer disparities

Bibliographic Data

ID22067908
AuthorsBeatrice Zovich (0009-0000-2607-7506, Hepatitis B Foundation), Suzanne J Block (0000-0002-4498-7252, Johns Hopkins University), Fiona Borondy-Jenkins (Hepatitis B Foundation, corresponding author), Kate Moraras (0000-0003-2450-146X, Hepatitis B Foundation), Thomas Chen, Tai C Chen (0000-0002-5704-5694, Mount Sinai Hospital), Rukayat Adedokun (Hepatitis B Foundation), Dung Hua (Vital Access (United States)), Chari Cohen (0000-0003-1968-2104, Hepatitis B Foundation)
Year2024
Volume12
Pages1377096-1377096
Publication date2024-08-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377096
PMID39185121
OpenAlexW4401470064
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited31

Introduction: Asian and Pacific Islander (API), African, and Caribbean immigrant groups in the U.S. are disproportionately impacted by chronic hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer). Creating educational communication campaigns about hepatitis B and liver cancer for these communities is necessary to increase disease-related awareness and prompt health-promoting behaviors. Identifying interpersonal communication (IPC) preferences within diverse communities for integration into an educational campaign that emphasizes the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer can ultimately promote uptake of screening, vaccination and linkage to appropriate care. Methods: Fifteen focus groups and two key informant interviews were conducted with participants from Micronesian, Chinese, Hmong, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Vietnamese, Korean, Somali, Ethiopian, Filipino, Haitian, and Francophone West African communities. Data were analyzed using thematic coding and analysis. Results: Findings demonstrate that all communities preferred that materials be offered in both English and native languages and emphasized that campaigns highlight the connection between hepatitis B and liver cancer. Educational sessions should take place in settings where communities feel safe, including community-based organizations, religious establishments, and healthcare offices, and should be facilitated by trusted messengers, including patient navigators, doctors and faith leaders. Presenting accurate information and dispelling myths and misconceptions around hepatitis B, liver cancer, and their connection were the biggest needs identified across all focus groups. Discussion: This study provides insight into community-specific preferences for learning about hepatitis B and liver cancer through IPC methods. The findings from this study can be used to design multi-platform, culturally and linguistically appropriate health education campaigns to facilitate improved diagnosis, prevention, and management of hepatitis B and liver cancer among heavily impacted communities in the U.S

Cancer · Family medicine · Health communication · Health equity · Hepatitis B · Hepatitis B virus · Interpersonal communication · Liver cancer · Public health · Communication · Diabetes Management and Education · Hepatitis B Virus Studies · Hepatitis C virus research · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Social Psychology · Internal Medicine · Virology

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