Exploring the Psychosocial Influences on Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Disparities
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 3105631 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Suzanne J Block (0000-0002-4498-7252, Johns Hopkins University, corresponding author), Beatrice Zovich (0009-0000-2607-7506, Hepatitis B Foundation), Fiona Borondy-Jenkins (Hepatitis B Foundation), Thomas Chen, Tai C Chen (0000-0002-5704-5694, Mount Sinai Hospital), Kate Moraras (0000-0003-2450-146X, Hepatitis B Foundation), Bright Ansah, Bright Owusu Ansah (Hepatitis B Foundation), Chari Cohen (0000-0003-1968-2104, Hepatitis B Foundation) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publication date | 2025-08-25 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2196-8837 • E-ISSN: 2197-3792 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s40615-025-02580-w |
| PMID | 40853531 |
| OpenAlex | W4413585679 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 33 |
Background Diverse communities from Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and Africa are disproportionately impacted by chronic hepatitis B. Low screening rates and limited engagement with disease management contribute to higher rates of liver cancer. This qualitative study aimed to explore the psychosocial factors influencing health behaviors related to hepatitis B and liver cancer, to inform the development of a public health communication campaign tailored to highly impacted communities. Methods In collaboration with community partners, individuals identifying with each community were purposively selected to participate in this study. Fifteen focus groups, ranging in size from 7 to 12 participants, and two key informant interviews were conducted with individuals from Asian and Pacific Islander, Caribbean, and African communities in the United States (total n = 101). The Health Belief Model and Social Ecological Model guided initial codebook development, with inductive approaches capturing emergent themes identified during analysis. Results Participants described incomplete knowledge of hepatitis B transmission and its link to liver cancer within their communities. These influenced health beliefs and behaviors surrounding screening and care, shaping feelings of self-efficacy and uncertainty regarding prevention and management. Misperceptions about disease risk and management were reproduced within interpersonal relationships, with many describing stigma and social isolation. Family support and culturally embedded social norms were influential in healthcare decisions and seeking. Conclusion This study demonstrates the multi-level influences contributing to low rates of screening and care engagement across impacted communities, highlighting key differences and similarities. These findings reinforce the importance of culturally tailored education that reflects the diversity of communities affected by hepatitis B
Environmental health · Focus group · Health equity · Interpersonal communication · Pacific islanders · Population · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Public health · Qualitative research · Sociology · Hepatitis B Virus Studies · Hepatitis C virus research · Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology
Transnational Older Adults and Their Families
Global hepatitis B and D community advisory board
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Viral Hepatitis Among Recent African Immigrants in the United States
The role of culturally appropriate interpersonal communication strategies to reduce hepatitis B and liver cancer disparities
HBV Transmission Knowledge Among Korean-American Chronic Hepatitis B Patients in the United States
Is family relations related to health service utilisation among older immigrants
Gaps and Disparities in Chronic Hepatitis B Monitoring and Treatment in the United States, 2016-2019
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |