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Hepatitis B knowledge and practices among Cambodian immigrants

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Abstract

Background. Chronic hepatitis B infection is the most common cause of liver cancer among Cambodians. Our objective was to describe Cambodian Americans’ hepatitis B knowledge, testing, and vaccination levels. Methods. A community-based telephone survey was conducted in Seattle. Our study sample included 111 individuals. Results. Less than one half (46%) of our study group had received a hepatitis B blood test, and about one third (35%) had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Only 43% knew that Cambodians are more likely to be infected with hepatitis B than whites. Conclusions. Over 50% of our respondents did not recall being tested for hepatitis B. We identified important knowledge deficits about hepatitis B. Continued efforts should be made to implement hepatitis B educational campaigns for Cambodians.

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Correspondence to Vicky M. Taylor MD, MPH.

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Supported by cooperative agreement CA114640 from the National Cancer Institute (The Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research, and Training) and cooperative agreement U48-DP-000050 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (The Alliance for Reducing Cancer-Northwest). (The contents of the article are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the National Cancer Institute.)

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Taylor, V.M., Seng, P., Acorda, E. et al. Hepatitis B knowledge and practices among Cambodian immigrants. J Canc Educ 24, 100–104 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1080/08858190802664750

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08858190802664750

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