Hepatitis B and APIs - Action Needed

[Guest guest]

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ChronicHepatitisB/?source=govdelivery

Hepatitis B and APIs

In the United States, Asian and Pacific Islanders(APIs) make up less than 5% of

the total population, but account for more than 50% of Americans living with

chronic Hepatitis B. Despite the high rates of infection, many APIs are not

tested for Hepatitis B and are unaware of their infection. As a result, chronic

Hepatitis B and associated liver cancer in APIs is one of the most serious

health disparities in the United States.

•In the United States, nearly 70% of APIs were born or have parents born in

countries where Hepatitis B is common.

•Hepatitis B-related liver cancer incidence is highest among APIs and is a

leading cause of cancer deaths in this population.

•The death rate from Hepatitis B among APIs is 7 times greater than deaths among

whites.

•Knowledge of Hepatitis B varies greatly in the API community and many

misconceptions exist. The lack of knowledge and awareness of the disease

significantly contributes to the low testing rates in the API population.

•Limited English proficiency can be a significant barrier to seeking and

receiving Hepatitis B related care and services.

{Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs ) refer to a diverse group of people from

many regions throughout the world including the Far East, Southeast Asia,

Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, Marshall and other Pacific Islands.}

Importance of Service/Community Organizations

There are numerous organizations throughout the Unites States that play critical

roles in community health promotion, education, health advocacy, and capacity

building to improve the health of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Many

of these organizations focus specifically on Hepatitis B or have Hepatitis B as

a major component of their organization because of the high prevalence in the

community.

Many organizations that serve the API community employ culturally and

linguistically appropriate health programs to reach their targeted audience. For

instance, screenings and vaccination clinics can be held at locations that are

both familiar and easily accessible to community members and employ staff who

can communicate with clients in their primary language. Providing appropriate

linkage to care for either the hepatitis B vaccine or medical follow-up for

chronic infection is also a crucial component in reducing the burden of

Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B: Action Needed

•CDC recommends testing all people who were born in countries where Hepatitis B

is common.

•CDC recommends testing all people who were not vaccinated as infants in the

United States and who have a parent that was born in a country with high rates

of Hepatitis B.

•Early diagnosis of Hepatitis B can prevent life threatening liver disease and

liver cancer.

•Testing of Asian & Pacific Islanders needs to increase in order to identify

those living with chronic Hepatitis B and help them to access lifesaving medical

care.

[Guest guest]

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ChronicHepatitisB/?source=govdelivery

Hepatitis B and APIs

In the United States, Asian and Pacific Islanders(APIs) make up less than 5% of

the total population, but account for more than 50% of Americans living with

chronic Hepatitis B. Despite the high rates of infection, many APIs are not

tested for Hepatitis B and are unaware of their infection. As a result, chronic

Hepatitis B and associated liver cancer in APIs is one of the most serious

health disparities in the United States.

•In the United States, nearly 70% of APIs were born or have parents born in

countries where Hepatitis B is common.

•Hepatitis B-related liver cancer incidence is highest among APIs and is a

leading cause of cancer deaths in this population.

•The death rate from Hepatitis B among APIs is 7 times greater than deaths among

whites.

•Knowledge of Hepatitis B varies greatly in the API community and many

misconceptions exist. The lack of knowledge and awareness of the disease

significantly contributes to the low testing rates in the API population.

•Limited English proficiency can be a significant barrier to seeking and

receiving Hepatitis B related care and services.

{Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs ) refer to a diverse group of people from

many regions throughout the world including the Far East, Southeast Asia,

Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, Marshall and other Pacific Islands.}

Importance of Service/Community Organizations

There are numerous organizations throughout the Unites States that play critical

roles in community health promotion, education, health advocacy, and capacity

building to improve the health of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Many

of these organizations focus specifically on Hepatitis B or have Hepatitis B as

a major component of their organization because of the high prevalence in the

community.

Many organizations that serve the API community employ culturally and

linguistically appropriate health programs to reach their targeted audience. For

instance, screenings and vaccination clinics can be held at locations that are

both familiar and easily accessible to community members and employ staff who

can communicate with clients in their primary language. Providing appropriate

linkage to care for either the hepatitis B vaccine or medical follow-up for

chronic infection is also a crucial component in reducing the burden of

Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B: Action Needed

•CDC recommends testing all people who were born in countries where Hepatitis B

is common.

•CDC recommends testing all people who were not vaccinated as infants in the

United States and who have a parent that was born in a country with high rates

of Hepatitis B.

•Early diagnosis of Hepatitis B can prevent life threatening liver disease and

liver cancer.

•Testing of Asian & Pacific Islanders needs to increase in order to identify

those living with chronic Hepatitis B and help them to access lifesaving medical

care.