A Comprehensive Screening And Treatment Model For Reducing Disparities In Hepatitis B

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B affects Asian Americans at a much higher rate than the general US population. Appropriate care can limit morbidity and mortality from hepatitis B. However, access to care for many Asian Americans and other immigrant groups is limited by their lack of knowledge about the disease, as well as cultural, linguistic, and financial challenges. This article describes the results of BfreeNYC, a New York City pilot program that, from 2004 to 2008, provided hepatitis B community education and awareness, free screening and vaccinations, and free or low-cost treatment primarily to immigrants from Asia, but also to residents from other racial and ethnic minority groups. The program was the largest citywide screening program in the United States, reaching nearly 9,000 people, and the only one providing comprehensive care to those who were infected. During the program, new hepatitis B cases reported annually from predominantly Asian neighborhoods in the city increased 34 percent. More than two thousand people were vaccinated; 57 percent of the 1,162 patients who tested positive for hepatitis B and were evaluated by program clinical services were still in care at the end of the program. Our analysis found that the program was effective in reaching the target population and providing care. Although follow-up care data will be needed to demonstrate long-term costeffectiveness, the program may serve as a useful prototype for addressing hepatitis B disparities in communities across the United States.

Ethnic Disparities in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: African Americans and Hispanic Americans

“…In the BfreeNYC program, a successful New York city pilot program charged with increasing screening for and treatment of hepatitis B in immigrants populations, information was provided to potential patients in their native language and in a culturally sensitive fashion, including by the creation of radio segments, conducting educational workshops and posting education on a centralized study website [48]. This strategy was highly effective in engaging the target community and in decreasing the stigma associated with the disease process.…”

Immigration and viral hepatitis

“…Successful campaigns, such as the BFreeNYC project, have combined education and awareness initiatives with screening events in order to both educate and identify migrant populations most at risk of viral hepatitis [71]. Over four years, this program reached one million people, educated 11,000 and screened 9000 Asian migrants living in New York City.…”

Community-based prevention of hepatitis-B-related liver cancer: Australian insights

“…14, 15 The B Positive programme has been seeking to reduce hepatitis-B-related health disparities in migrant populations through community-based screening, linkage to care and increasing community-level awareness of hepatitis B and participation in disease surveillance. Meaningful community engagement has played a critical role in the programme's success.…”