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Freeland C, Adjei C, Wallace J, Wang S, Hicks J, Adda D, James C, Cohen C. Survey of lived experiences and challenges in hepatitis B management and treatment. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:944. [PMID: 38566070 PMCID: PMC10986103 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18425-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Almost 300 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B infection worldwide and most remain undiagnosed and at risk for liver cancer. In 2015 the World Health Organization (WHO) developed guidelines for the prevention, care, and treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis B and in early 2023 began to work on updating these guidelines. In March 2023, a self-administered, anonymous online survey was launched, aiming to identify patient preferences related to the clinical management of hepatitis B including current management, treatment, and care experiences, preferences regarding engagement with providers, and preferences related to simplifying hepatitis B care access. A sample of 560 individuals living with hepatitis B (self-identified as HBsAg positive) from 76 countries completed the survey. Key findings demonstrated that less than half (49%, N = 268) of participants regularly visited a doctor to check the health of their liver (every 6-12 months), with 37% of participants prescribed antiviral medication by a specialist (82%, N = 167) or general practitioner (13%, N = 26). Participants reported not being actively involved in care decision making with their providers (42%, N = 217), with an overwhelming majority wanting to participate in hepatitis B management and treatment choices (85%, N = 435). Participants provided qualitative and quantitative details using open-ended responses within the survey about challenges with medication affordability and receiving care from a knowledgeable provider. Overall findings demonstrated key gaps in care, management, and treatment access related to hepatitis B: identifying these gaps can be used to identify areas for improvement along the care continuum for viral hepatitis. The survey found a need for the comprehensive simplification of clinical management and health care services related to hepatitis B. A thematic analysis of the open-ended survey responses highlighted major overarching themes including the cost and access burdens associated with hepatitis B management and treatment, and challenges in finding knowledgeable providers. Results from this mixed methods survey were used to inform the WHO hepatitis B guidelines update. Efforts should continue to explore public health approaches to address barriers and facilitators to testing, care, and treatment for people with hepatitis B to improve awareness of hepatitis B and access, care, and treatment among patients and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jack Wallace
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Su Wang
- Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ, USA
| | | | - Danjuma Adda
- World Hepatitis Alliance, London, UK
- CFID Taraba, Taraba, Nigeria
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Toumi M, Wallace J, Cohen C, Marshall C, Kitchen H, Macey J, Pegram H, Slagle AF, Gish RG, Ning Q, Yatsuhashi H, Cornberg M, Brunetto M, van Bömmel F, Xie Q, Lee D, Habuka N, Sbarigia U, Beumont-Mauviel M, Keever AV, Takahashi Y, Lu Y, Liu A, Chen Q, Ito T, Radunz O, Puggina A, Hilgard G, Chan EKH, Wang S. Experience and impact of stigma in people with chronic hepatitis B: a qualitative study in Asia, Europe, and the United States. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:611. [PMID: 38408941 PMCID: PMC10895774 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17263-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) commonly experience social and self-stigma. This study sought to understand the impacts of CHB-related stigma and a functional cure on stigma. METHODS Adults with CHB with a wide range of age and education were recruited from 5 countries and participated in 90-minute qualitative, semi-structured interviews to explore concepts related to CHB-associated stigma and its impact. Participants answered open-ended concept-elicitation questions regarding their experience of social and self-stigma, and the potential impact of reduced CHB-related stigma. RESULTS Sixty-three participants aged 25 to 71 years (15 from the United States and 12 each from China, Germany, Italy, and Japan) reported emotional, lifestyle, and social impacts of living with CHB, including prejudice, marginalization, and negative relationship and work experiences. Self-stigma led to low self-esteem, concealment of CHB status, and social withdrawal. Most participants stated a functional cure for hepatitis B would reduce self-stigma. CONCLUSIONS CHB-related social and self-stigma are widely prevalent and affect many aspects of life. A functional cure for hepatitis B may reduce social and self-stigma and substantially improve the health-related quality of life of people with CHB. Incorporating stigma into guidelines along with infectivity considerations may broaden the patient groups who should receive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mondher Toumi
- Aix-Marseille University, Jardin du Pharo, 58 bd Charles Livon, Marseille, 13284 Cedex 07, France.
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille, 13385, France.
| | - Jack Wallace
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Chari Cohen
- Hepatitis B Foundation, 3805 Old Easton Rd, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Chris Marshall
- Clarivate (formerly DRG Abacus), 70 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BE, UK
| | - Helen Kitchen
- Clarivate (formerly DRG Abacus), 70 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BE, UK
| | - Jake Macey
- Clarivate (formerly DRG Abacus), 70 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BE, UK
| | - Hannah Pegram
- Clarivate (formerly DRG Abacus), 70 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BE, UK
| | - Ashley F Slagle
- Aspen Consulting, LLC, 625 S Lincoln Ave #101, Steamboat Springs, CO, 80487, USA
| | - Robert G Gish
- Hepatitis B Foundation, 3805 Old Easton Rd, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Qin Ning
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Hankou, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hiroshi Yatsuhashi
- National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, 2-1001-1, Kubara, Omura, Nagasaki, 856-8562, Japan
- Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City, 852-8520, Japan
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maurizia Brunetto
- University Hospital of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Florian van Bömmel
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Leipzig University Medical Center, Liebigstrasse 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Qing Xie
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 20025, China
| | - Dee Lee
- Inno Community Development Organisation, Room 208, Dengzheng Business Center, #57, Dengzhengnan Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Noriyuki Habuka
- Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K, 3-5-2 Nishi-kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0065, Japan
| | - Urbano Sbarigia
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse, B-2340, Belgium
| | - Maria Beumont-Mauviel
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbourton Rd, Titusville, NJ, 08560, USA
| | | | - Yasushi Takahashi
- Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K, 3-5-2 Nishi-kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0065, Japan
| | - Yiwei Lu
- Janssen China, 14F, Tower 3, China Central Place, No.77, Jian Guo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100025, China
| | - Ao Liu
- Janssen China, 14F, Tower 3, China Central Place, No.77, Jian Guo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100025, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Chen
- Janssen China, 14F, Tower 3, China Central Place, No.77, Jian Guo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100025, China
| | - Tetsuro Ito
- Janssen Health Economics & Market Access (EMEA), 50-100 Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 4EG, UK
| | - Olaf Radunz
- Janssen Germany, Johnson-u.-Johnson-Platz 1, 41470, Neuss, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Anna Puggina
- Janssen Italy, Via Michelangelo Buonarroti, 23, Cologno Monzese, 20093, Italy
| | - Gudrun Hilgard
- Janssen Germany, Johnson-u.-Johnson-Platz 1, 41470, Neuss, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Eric K H Chan
- Janssen Global Services, LLC, 1000 US 202, Raritan, NJ, 08869, USA.
| | - Su Wang
- Hepatitis B Foundation, 3805 Old Easton Rd, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
- Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, 222 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park, NJ, 07932, USA
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Zhang M, Wan M, Wang W, Lin S, Zhang X. Effect of interferon therapy on quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2461. [PMID: 38291045 PMCID: PMC10827780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51292-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Interferon therapy is the most effective treatment for achieving clinical cure in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, the treatment outcomes of interferon therapy are uncertain, multiple side effects can occur during treatment, and the treatment is expensive. Although these characteristics may affect patients' quality of life, research examining this topic is limited. We used a cross-sectional design to examine 100 CHB patients receiving interferon, 100 receiving nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, and 87 receiving non-antiviral treatment. Characteristic information, the Hepatitis B Quality of Life Instrument, Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire were used to collect information. We found that quality of life in the interferon treatment group was higher than that in the non-antiviral treatment and nucleoside/nucleotide analogue treatment groups (p < 0.05). The factors influencing quality of life were resilience, presenteeism, hair loss, and antiviral treatment (p < 0.05). Although interferon therapy has some potential side effects, the results suggested that it did not negatively affect quality of life. Overall, interferon therapy did not have a major impact on CHB patients' daily lives and work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xian, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Meijuan Wan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xian, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xian, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shumei Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xian, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xian, Shaanxi Province, China.
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YENDEWA GA, SELLU EJ, KPAKA RA, JAMES PB, YENDEWA SA, CUMMINGS PE, BABAWO LM, MASSAQUOI SP, GHAZAWI M, OCAMA P, LAKOH S, BABAWO LS, SALATA RA. Measuring stigma associated with hepatitis B virus infection in Sierra Leone: Validation of an abridged Berger HIV stigma scale. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:621-629. [PMID: 37084170 PMCID: PMC10330123 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Stigma associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in endemic countries; however; instruments are lacking to accurately measure HBV-related stigma. We therefore aimed to develop and validate a concise instrument for measuring perceived HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. We enrolled 220 people living with HBV (PWHB) aged ≥18 years from August to November 2022. The initial Likert-scale instrument entailed 12 items adapted from Berger's HIV Stigma Scale. We included four additional items adapted from the USAID indicators for enacted stigma. The proposed scale's psychometric properties were assessed. After item reduction, the final HBV Stigma Scale consisted of 10 items and had good internal consistency (overall Cronbach's α = 0.74), discriminant, and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis produced a three-dimensional structure accounting for 59.3% of variance: personalized stigma driven by public attitudes (six items), negative self-image (two items), and disclosure concerns (two items). Overall, 72.8% of respondents reported perceived HBV-related stigma (mean score 29.11 ± 4.14) and a similar proportion (73.6%) reported at least one instance of enacted stigma. In assessing criterion-related validity, perceived HBV-related stigma correlated strongly with enacted stigma (r = 0.556) and inversely with having family/friends with HBV (r = -0.059). The 10-item HBV Stigma Scale demonstrated good internal consistency and validity and is suitable for screening for HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. The psychometric properties of the scale can be optimized with item additions/modifications and confirmatory factor analysis. The scale may help in combating stigma as a barrier to achieving HBV global elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A. YENDEWA
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Edmond J. SELLU
- Department of Nursing, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo Campus, Sierra Leone
| | - Rashid A. KPAKA
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Disaster Management, Eastern Technical University, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Peter B. JAMES
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia
| | | | | | - Lawrence M. BABAWO
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | - Ponsiano OCAMA
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sulaiman LAKOH
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Connaught Hospital, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Lawrence S. BABAWO
- Department of Nursing, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo Campus, Sierra Leone
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Disaster Management, Eastern Technical University, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Robert A. SALATA
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Tomar M, Sharma T, Prasad M. Social challenges experienced by Hepatitis B patients: A mixed method study. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:748-755. [PMID: 37312795 PMCID: PMC10259557 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1575_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B has a wide range of effects on patients' lives due to its chronic nature. Living with Hepatitis B has been associated with various social challenges such as stigma, disclosure, and discrimination. Aim To assess the social challenges experienced by Hepatitis B-positive patients seeking treatment at a super specialty liver hospital of the country. Methods and Results A mixed-method research design was used to explore various social challenges experienced by Hepatitis B-positive patients. Descriptive research design was used in the first phase and thematic analysis was done in the second phase of the study. Data were collected using a modified Hepatitis B stigma assessment tool and semi-structured interview guide. Total 180 Hepatitis B-positive patients were recruited for the first phase. Face to face interviews were recorded for the 9 patients facing high stigma in the second phase of the study. Mean age of the patients was 45 ± 13.1 years and 80% of the patients were male. Mean overall stigma score was found to be 74.34 ± 10.13. Of all, 5.1% patients experienced high stigma, 2.1% moderate stigma, and 92% patients experienced low stigma. Thematic analysis method uncovered various attributing factors to social challenges broadly classified into reaction on getting diagnosed with Hepatitis B, psychological issues, stigmatization in families, stigmatization at workplace, and stigmatization in healthcare settings. Conclusion Patients with Hepatitis B experience social challenges in aspect of lack of awareness, psychological issues, and stigmatization by healthcare providers, family members, and by the colleagues at their workplace. A better understanding and awareness regarding Hepatitis B is needed to eliminate stigma and discrimination among these patients. Hence, a holistic approach is must to treat patients with Hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Tomar
- College of Nursing, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Tarika Sharma
- College of Nursing, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manya Prasad
- Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Yendewa GA, Sellu EJ, Kpaka RA, James PB, Yendewa SA, Cummings PE, Babawo LM, Massaquoi SP, Ghazawi M, Ocama P, Lakoh S, Babawo LS, Salata RA. Measuring Stigma Associated with Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Sierra Leone: Validation of an Abridged Berger HIV Stigma Scale. medRxiv 2023:2023.02.17.23286086. [PMID: 36824916 PMCID: PMC9949200 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.17.23286086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Stigma associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in endemic countries; however; instruments are lacking to accurately measure HBV-related stigma. We therefore aimed to develop and validate a concise instrument for measuring perceived HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. We enrolled 220 people living with HBV (PWHB) aged ≥ 18 years from August to November 2022. The initial Likert-scale instrument entailed 12 items adapted from Berger's HIV Stigma Scale. We included 4 additional items adapted from the USAID indicators for enacted stigma. The proposed scale's psychometric properties were assessed. After item reduction, the final HBV Stigma Scale consisted of 10 items and had good internal consistency (overall Cronbach's α = 0.74), discriminant and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis produced a 3-dimensional structure accounting for 59.3% of variance: personalized stigma driven by public attitudes (6 items), negative self-image (2 items), and disclosure concerns (2 items). Overall, 72.8% of respondents reported perceived HBV stigma (mean score 29.11 ± 4.14) and a similar a proportion (73.6%) reported at least one instance of enacted stigma. In assessing criterion-related validity, perceived HBV-related stigma correlated strongly with enacted stigma (r = 0.556) and inversely with having family/friends with HBV (r = -0.059). The 10-item HBV Stigma Scale demonstrated good internal consistency and validity and is suitable for screening for HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. The psychometric properties of the scale can be optimized with item additions/modifications and confirmatory factor analysis. The scale may help in combating stigma as a barrier to achieving HBV global elimination goals.
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Zhong S, Zhou Y, Zhumajiang W, Feng L, Gu J, Lin X, Hao Y. A psychometric evaluation of Chinese chronic hepatitis B virus infection-related stigma scale using classical test theory and item response theory. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1035071. [PMID: 36818123 PMCID: PMC9928720 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1035071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To validate the hepatitis B virus infection-related stigma scale (HBVISS) using Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory in a sample of Chinese chronic HBV carriers. Methods Feasibility, internal consistency reliability, split-half reliability and construct validity were evaluated using a cross-sectional validation study (n = 1,058) in Classical Test Theory. Content validity was assessed by COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) criteria. The Item Response Theory (IRT) model parameters were estimated using Samejima's graded response model, after which item response category characteristic curves were drawn. Item information, test information, and IRT-based marginal reliability were calculated. Measurement invariance was assessed using differential item functioning (DIF). SPSS and R software were used for the analysis. Results The response rate reached 96.4% and the scale was completed in an average time of 5 min. Content validity of HBVISS was sufficient (+) and the quality of the evidence was high according to COSMIN criteria. Confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable goodness-of-fit (χ 2/df = 5.40, standardized root mean square residual = 0.057, root mean square error of approximation = 0.064, goodness-of-fit index = 0.902, comparative fit index = 0.925, incremental fit index = 0.926, and Tucker-Lewis index = 0.912). Cronbach's α fell in the range of 0.79-0.89 for each dimension and 0.93 for the total scale. Split-half reliability was 0.96. IRT discrimination parameters were estimated to range between 0.959 and 2.333, and the threshold parameters were in the range-3.767 to 3.894. The average score for test information was 12.75 (information >10) when the theta level reached between-4 and + 4. The IRT-based marginal reliability was 0.95 for the total scale and fell in the range of 0.83-0.91 for each dimension. No measurement invariance was detected (d-R 2 < 0.02). Conclusion HBVISS exhibited good feasibility, reliability, validity, and item quality, making it suitable for assessing chronic Hepatitis B virus infection-related stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirui Zhong
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxiao Zhou
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wuerken Zhumajiang
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Putian Municipal Health Commission, Putian, China
| | - Lifen Feng
- Guangdong Health Commission Affairs Center (External Health Cooperation Service Center of Guangdong Province), Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Gu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xiao Lin, ✉
| | - Yuantao Hao
- Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness and Response, Beijing, China,Yuantao Hao, ✉
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Jin D, Brener L, Treloar C. Hepatitis B-related stigma among Chinese immigrants living with hepatitis B virus in Australia: A qualitative study. Health Soc Care Community 2022; 30:e5602-e5611. [PMID: 36068665 PMCID: PMC10086810 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chinese immigrants in Australia are overrepresented among people with chronic hepatitis B virus (PWCHB) but experience poor access to healthcare. Given the historical discriminatory policies against PWCHB in mainland China, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of stigma and discrimination surrounding hepatitis B virus (HBV) among Chinese immigrants originally from mainland China. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted by a researcher with a Chinese background in 2019-2020. Sixteen Chinese immigrants living with HBV were recruited across Sydney and Melbourne through advocacy and support groups. This study is positioned in social constructionism. Data analysis was informed by the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework that highlights the interaction between layered stigmas. This study revealed the historical, social and cultural construction of HBV-related stigma among PWCHB and demonstrated how this stigma was manifested across socioecological levels in China and Australia. Findings show that HBV-related stigma has mostly been driven by knowledge deficits about HBV and fear of HBV infection. HBV-related stigma was mostly demonstrated around social isolation including isolation imposed by family and the community and employment restrictions in the Chinese workplace. In the Australian context, HBV-related stigma was related to the ethnic and cultural background of PWCHB, and primarily occurred as anticipated stigma in the community and in employment. The findings provide significant insights for crosscutting research and policy endeavours to develop and test cross-disciplinary initiatives that more broadly address the complex lived realities of Chinese immigrants living with hepatitis B virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defeng Jin
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design and ArchitectureUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Loren Brener
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design and ArchitectureUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design and ArchitectureUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Social Policy Research Centre, Faculty of Arts, Design and ArchitectureUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Freeland C, Mendola L, Cheng V, Cohen C, Wallace J. The unvirtuous cycle of discrimination affecting people with hepatitis B: a multi-country qualitative assessment of key-informant perspectives. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:77. [PMID: 35642059 PMCID: PMC9158347 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-022-01677-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An estimated 296 million individuals live with chronic hepatitis B worldwide, most have not been diagnosed and remain at risk of liver disease and cancer. People with hepatitis B often face discrimination that denies them employment or education opportunities, results in unfair treatment at work or in school, limits their ability to emigrate to certain countries, and in some cases prohibits them from serving in the military. Discrimination specific to hepatitis B has not been widely documented within the literature. This study aims to investigate and describe hepatitis B related discrimination, document discrimination occurring around the globe, and provide initial recommendations for addressing discrimination using key informant interviews. Methods Purposive and snowball sampling were used to identify potential key informants for qualitative interview. Key informants identified as community health leaders, public health scientists, doctors, and researchers, many of whom were also living with hepatitis B. Using a semi-structured guide, participants were asked to describe their experience and any challenges for people living with hepatitis B including marginalization and its’ consequences. A codebook was used to guide the organization of data for analysis, and all transcripts N = 17 were double coded. Results The overarching themes identified from interviews demonstrate explicit experiences with discrimination of those directly affected, the psychological responses, and the negative health outcomes associated with the unvirtuous cycle of discrimination. All key informants reported on the substantial quality of life implications and often poorer health outcomes resulting from hepatitis B discrimination. Participants also identified the significant impact of hepatitis B discrimination occurring within a range of education-based services across several countries as well as military exclusion or removal if individuals are found to have hepatitis B. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that hepatitis B discrimination has a significant impact. Discrimination can occur at various points in life from education, to seeking employment, to marriage, to restrictions on entry, travel and stay in other countries. This study demonstrates the impact of discrimination and the need for future research that can lead to policy change and protections for people living with and impacted by hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsay Mendola
- Temple University, 1801 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Vivian Cheng
- Arcadia University, 450 S Easton Rd, Glenside, PA, 19038, USA
| | - Chari Cohen
- Hepatitis B Foundation, 3805 Old Easton Rd, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jack Wallace
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Center for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
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Wallace J, Xiao Y, Howell J, Thompson A, Allard N, Adamson E, Richmond J, Hajarizadeh B, Eagle M, Doyle J, Hellard M. Understanding how to live with hepatitis B: a qualitative investigation of peer advice for Chinese people living with hepatitis B in Australia. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:536. [PMID: 35303855 PMCID: PMC8932317 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12907-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B is a chronic viral infection, a leading cause of primary liver cancer and identified as a major public health priority by the World Health Organization. Despite a high proportion of people in Australia who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B, significant gaps remain in health care access and in accurate knowledge about hepatitis B. Most people with hepatitis B in Australia were born in China, where the infection has an intergenerational impact with significant social implications resulting from the infection. Understanding how people of Chinese ethnicity with hepatitis B understand and respond to hepatitis B is imperative for reducing morbidity, mortality, and the personal and social impact of the infection. METHODS Qualitative semi-structured interviews with people with hepatitis B of Chinese ethnicity recruited through a specialist service identified the advice people with hepatitis B thought was important enough to inform the experience of people newly diagnosed with hepatitis B. A thematic analysis of the data privileged the lived experience of participants and their personal, rather than clinical, explanations of the virus. RESULTS Hepatitis B infection had psychological and physical consequences that were informed by cultural norms, and to which people had responded to with significant behavioural change. Despite this cohort being engaged with specialist clinical services with access to the most recent, comprehensive, and expert information, much of the advice people with hepatitis B identified as important for living with hepatitis B was not based on biomedical understandings. Key suggestions from people with hepatitis B were to form sustainable clinical relationships, develop emotional resilience, make dietary changes, regulate energy, and issues related to disclosure. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights conflicts between biomedical and public health explanations and the lived experience of hepatitis B among people of Chinese ethnicity in Australia. Beliefs about hepatitis B are embedded within cultural understandings of health that can conflict with bio-medical explanations of the infection. Acknowledging these perspectives provides for insightful communication between health services and their clients, and the development of nuanced models of care informed by the experience of people with hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Wallace
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia. .,Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Yinzong Xiao
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jess Howell
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Alex Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Nicole Allard
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | | | - Jacqui Richmond
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Behzad Hajarizadeh
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | | | - Joseph Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
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11
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Behera MK, Nath P, Behera SK, Padhi PK, Singh A, Singh SP. Unemployment and Illiteracy Are Predictors of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Stigma and Discrimination. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:767-773. [PMID: 35677504 PMCID: PMC9168712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HBV is a serious threat to society in India as around 1,00,000 people die from HBV every year. However, very few studies from India have evaluated the magnitude of stigma faced by HBV patients. So, there was an unmet need to estimate the HBV-related stigma to design the preventive strategies. Hence, the aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the proportions of stigma and discrimination and factors predicting them among HBV patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2016 to October 2019. A total of 350 HBV patients and 100 healthy respondents were interviewed for knowledge and awareness about HBV and various stigma characteristics. RESULTS The mean age of HBV subjects was 45.10 ± 11.70 years, and controls were 36.20 ± 12.27 years; males constituted 60% of HBV subjects and 71% of controls. Negative symptoms such as shame, avoidance, and putting others in danger were felt by 70-90% of HBV patients. Around 60% of HBV patients felt that hepatitis B could be transmitted by sharing utensils thinking that saliva is the mode of transmission. The knowledge about transmission of HBV by sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use, and mother to child was present in 88%, 75%, and 52% of HBV patients and 32%,38%, and 40% of healthy individuals, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that male gender (AOR-2.38, CI 1.48-3.81, P < 0.01), under matriculates (AOR-2.03, CI 1.22-3.44, P < 0.01) and unemployed (AOR-2.16, CI 1.33-3.53, P < 0.01) were significant independent predictors of significant discrimination. CONCLUSION The magnitude of HBV-related stigma is high in the Indian population, and illiteracy and unemployment were significant predictors of a severe grade of discrimination associated with HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas K. Behera
- Department of Hepatology, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, India
| | - Preetam Nath
- Department of Gastroenterology, KIMS Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sambit K. Behera
- Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, India
| | - Pradeep K. Padhi
- Department of Medicine, Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital, Balasore, India
| | - Ayaskanta Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Shivaram P. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, India,Address for correspondence: Shivaram Prasad Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, India.
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12
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Cama E, Brener L, Broady T, Hopwood M, Treloar C. Australian health and medical workers' concerns around providing care to people living with hepatitis B. Health Soc Care Community 2021; 29:e431-e439. [PMID: 33825261 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There is established literature on health workers' attitudes towards working with people living with stigmatised health conditions and behaviours, such as HIV, hepatitis C and injecting drug use. Less is known about health workers' attitudes and concerns around providing care to people living with hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is concerning as research indicates that negative attitudes may impact on the quality of care provided to these populations, with adverse health outcomes for clients. The aim of this paper is to examine health and medical workers' concerns about providing care to people living with HBV, and the factors that may influence these concerns. Australian health and medical workers (n = 551) completed an online survey measuring their concerns about providing care to people living with HBV, stigmatising attitudes towards this group, perceived comfort of themselves and colleagues in providing care towards clients with HBV, and witnessing their colleagues behaviour in a discriminatory way towards clients with HBV. Multiple regression was used to ascertain factors predictive of health workers' concerns about working with clients with HBV. Results showed that older participants and those who had spent less time working in the health and medical field had greater concerns about caring for people living with HBV. Workers who did not know someone living with HBV, who were less comfortable around clients with HBV, who perceived their colleagues to be less comfortable working with clients with HBV, and who had more negative attitudes towards this group also had greater concerns around providing care to people living with HBV. Efforts should be made to improve health and medical workers' attitudes towards working with people with HBV. This may also improve workers' level of comfort with people with HBV and reduce the reported reticence they have towards working with this client group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cama
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Loren Brener
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Max Hopwood
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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13
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Le Gautier R, Wallace J, Richmond JA, Pitts M. The personal and social impact of chronic hepatitis B: A qualitative study of Vietnamese and Chinese participants in Australia. Health Soc Care Community 2021; 29:1420-1428. [PMID: 33064908 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the lived experiences of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) among Vietnamese and Chinese-born people living in Melbourne, Australia. The aims of this study were to investigate the personal and social implications of CHB, and the extent to which these implications, including experiences of stigma and marginalisation, affect individuals' overall quality of life. This study is based on individual semi-structured interviews with 37 Vietnamese and Chinese people with CHB in Australia (n = 22 and n = 15 respectively). The interviews were conducted between February 2015 and November 2016. Electronically recorded interviews of up to 1.5 hr were conducted, translated where necessary and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded using NVivo, with coding themes guided by the principles of thematic analysis. Fundamental to most participants' accounts was the experience of living in constant fear of stigma and marginalisation, which participants unanimously attributed to prevailing misconceptions about hepatitis B-related transmission routes and disease outcomes. The accompanying experiences of social isolation-whether imposed upon themselves or by others-brought on additional feelings of shame and emotional pain, which had a profound impact on participants' overall quality of life. By exploring participants' lived experiences of hepatitis B, it became clear that concerns about the clinical implications related to hepatitis B as a biomedical infection make up only a small part of their experiences. Of particular significance were personal and social concerns around transmission, disclosure as well as the impact of stigma and marginalisation on participants and their families. Adopting a comprehensive multi-pronged response to tackle the multitude of complexities surrounding this infection among key affected communities will be more effective than just recognising the physical experience of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roslyn Le Gautier
- Palliative Nexus, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Jack Wallace
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne VIC, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A Richmond
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne VIC, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Marian Pitts
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Li T, Wang R, Zhao Y, Su S, Zeng H. Public awareness and influencing factors regarding hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Chongqing municipality and Chengdu City, China: a cross-sectional study with community residents. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045630. [PMID: 34341038 PMCID: PMC8330590 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis B and hepatitis C cause a heavy disease burden in China. This paper aims to investigate the public's knowledge on hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Chongqing municipality and Chengdu City, China. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to April 2017. SETTING Two communities from Chongqing and Chengdu were involved in this study. PARTICIPANTS Data from 928 community residents were analysed. OUTCOME Demographic characteristics, knowledge on hepatitis B and hepatitis C and sources of hepatitis knowledge were obtained from questionnaires. The participants' scores ranged from 0 to 24, and a test score about more than 14.4 (60% of the total score) was defined as sufficient knowledge. RESULTS Among the participants, only 36.10% presented sufficient knowledge on hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and about 40% were unaware of the two antidiscrimination policies in China. The sources of information about hepatitis were mainly from doctors and the internet. Unmarried individuals, people with secondary education and above and those with an annual income above US$2108 tended to exhibit a higher level of knowledge on hepatitis B and hepatitis C. CONCLUSIONS The community members demonstrated limited awareness and level of knowledge on hepatitis B and hepatitis C, particularly in relation to the antidiscrimination policies. Extensive health education should be provided to the public, particularly to those with low educational status and income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Li
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruoxi Wang
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Blood Components Department, Chengdu Blood Center, Health and Family Planning Commission of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shu Su
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, ShanXi, China
| | - Huan Zeng
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- The Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Abstract
Stigma related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a detrimental impact on health outcomes of people living with HBV. A scoping review of published peer-reviewed articles focused on the Chinese population in mainland China published between 2010 and 2019 was undertaken. This review consists of five stages: identifying the research question, identifying relevant literature, study selection, charting the data, and collating, summarizing and reporting the results. Articles in Chinese were identified from the collection of Core Journals in the database of CNKI (China Academic Journals Full-text Database). Publications in English were identified in Global Health, Scopus, PsycINFO, Proquest and Web of Science. Forty-five peer-reviewed articles were selected for inclusion. Most studies under review focused on negative individual attitude and discrimination against people living with HBV (PLHBV) in employment, education, community and healthcare settings. There is limited information on lived experiences of those living with HBV and how they manage this stigma. The reviewed studies provide evidence for the existence of different forms of HBV-related stigma in a variety of settings. Knowledge about HBV and the level of education of research participants were the most frequently identified factors related to this stigma. These findings are useful to support HBV responses in China and countries with migration from China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defeng Jin
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Loren Brener
- Centre for Social Research in Health, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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16
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Brener L, Cama E, Broady T, Hopwood M, Treloar C. Comparing Australian health worker and student attitudes and concerns about providing care to people living with hepatitis B. Health Promot J Austr 2021; 33:282-288. [PMID: 33687771 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Hepatitis B (HBV) is a major public health issue with over 250 million people chronically infected worldwide. In Australia, prevalence is higher among migrant communities and these groups may be reticent to attend health care services due to concerns about experiencing stigma and discrimination. The way health workers perceive their clients, particularly those of migrant backgrounds, may influence the way they treat these clients and the quality of care provided. This study investigated and compared the attitudes and concerns health workers and health students have towards working with clients living with HBV. METHODS Health workers (n = 551) and students (n = 199) completed an online survey which investigated attitudes towards people living with HBV, comfort with providing care for these clients and concerns they have about working with them. RESULTS Health students expressed less comfort (U = 47 611, z = -2.73, P = .006) and reported more concerns about working with people with HBV than qualified health workers (U = 61611.50, z = 2.64, P = .008). Students' concerns were centred around their own ability to provide care rather than issues related to clients. There were no differences in overall attitudes towards people living with HBV between health workers and students. CONCLUSION To address concerns that health workers and students may have in working with people living with HBV, particularly those from migrant communities, and to ensure that health workers feel comfortable and confident, HBV workforce development should be included in undergraduate and postgraduate training programmes as well as in continuing professional education. SO WHAT?: This will assist the health workforce to develop competency in the treatment of people living with HBV, with the ultimate aim of providing best quality, non-judgemental care to all people living with HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren Brener
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elena Cama
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Max Hopwood
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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17
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Li J, Wang J, Nicholas S, Maitland E, Fei T. Regional differences of hepatitis B discrimination in rural China. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:2257-2267. [PMID: 33499705 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1853999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B (HB) is the most serious and common viral hepatitis in China. Previous studies on HB discrimination mainly have focussed on stratified analysis, and there has been no consideration of the impact of geographical-environmental factors on HB discrimination from a spatial perspective.Objective: This study conducted a large nationwide village-based survey to test whether there were significant regional differences in HB discrimination, and to explore the relationship between different socio-economic geographical factors and HB discrimination.Methods: The sample comprised 22618 rural adults, aged over 18 years old, from villages in seven provinces, representing central, southern, and eastern coastal regions of China. Using face-to-face interviews, we surveyed participants' discrimination against HB patients or carriers. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the effects of the region on differences in proportions between three discrimination levels (low, medium, and high). A geographical detector was used to explore the relationship between different socio-economic and geographical-environmental factors and HB discrimination.Results: The distribution of HB discrimination levels across the 42 villages was statistically significant. The level of HB discrimination in the central and southern regions was generally low, and the level of HB discrimination in the eastern coastal regions was higher. Both socio-economic and geographic-environmental factors had a significant relationship with HB discrimination. Most of these relationships were not linear.Conclusions: Developing the economy and accelerating urbanization did not automatically eliminate discrimination against HB. We recommend government HB publicity and education campaigns to inform the population of HB causes and effects, and strengthen the education of students so that they can have a clear and correct understanding of HB from a young age, both of which will address HB discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Dong Fureng Institute of Economic and Social Development; Research Center of Health Economics and Management, Wuhan University, Beijing, China
| | - Stephen Nicholas
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | | | - Teng Fei
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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18
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Zheng Y, Zhu L, Patrick D, Li Y, Xu F, Zhang L, Song M, Cheng X, Chen B, Chen Y, Lu X, Wang H. Work-health-personal life conflicts in naive patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving initial treatment in China: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035688. [PMID: 32928849 PMCID: PMC7490961 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) perform sick roles, work roles and personal roles simultaneously. At times, role conflicts arise because of failure to meet the expectations of different roles. Role conflicts may increase dissatisfaction in work and family and impair their physical and mental health. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of role conflicts of treatment-naive patients with CHB in work, personal and sick roles, together with ameliorating factors in the Chinese cultural context. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive study. Semistructured interviews were used to collect the experience of work-health-personal life conflicts (WHPLCs), and a brief questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical information. SPSS V.21.0 was used for descriptive analysis and Dedoose (V.7.5.9) was used to code and analyse interview transcripts. This study selected six cities with different socioeconomic levels in Zhejiang Province, China. Then, researchers chose one tertiary hospital from each city as the study site, so a total of six tertiary hospitals were involved. PARTICIPANTS We recruited 32 patients with CHB (59.38% male) who had just started antiviral therapy for no more than three months. Participants were within the age range of 19-57 years, and the average age was 36.03 (SD=9.56) years. RESULTS Participants noted that having CHB influenced their daily life and intersected with work and personal roles, therefore causing role conflicts. Role conflicts focused on three types: time-based conflicts, strain-based conflicts and behaviour-based conflicts. The contextual factors contributing to role conflicts were identified, including personal characteristics, financial strain, traditional social roles and work environment. CONCLUSIONS These findings enhance our understanding of the WHPLCs experience of treatment-naive patients with CHB in China. Our findings suggest that multidimensional role conflicts should be taken into account in the intervention design and psychological counselling to improve role balance and well-being among patients with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjing Zheng
- Department of Social Medicine of School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Social Medicine of School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Donald Patrick
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Public Health, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fengjiao Xu
- Department of Social Medicine of School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Social Medicine of School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengna Song
- Department of Social Medicine of School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Cheng
- Department of Social Medicine of School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Boyan Chen
- Department of Social Medicine of School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Social Medicine of School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyang Lu
- Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Department of Social Medicine of School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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19
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Li G, Wang G, Hsu FC, Xu J, Pei X, Zhao B, Shetty A. Effects of Depression, Anxiety, Stigma, and Disclosure on Health-Related Quality of Life among Chronic Hepatitis B Patients in Dalian, China. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:988-994. [PMID: 32124716 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in China. We evaluated the impact of psychosocial factors (stigma, disclosure, depression, and anxiety) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people living with chronic HBV infection (CHB) in the city of Dalian, Liaoning Province, China. In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 401 patients living with chronic HBV infection were enrolled as study participants. Study measures included the Beck depression and anxiety inventory, the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) assessment, the Toronto Chinese HBV Stigma Scale, and disclosure of HBV status to sexual partners. The primary outcome was HRQoL score as measured by the WHOQOL-BREF. A linear regression model was used to examine the association between HRQoL and the potential risk factors including stigma, disclosure, depression, anxiety, and sociodemographic variables. Stigma, disclosure, depression, and anxiety were the covariates of interest. A majority of the participants were females (n = 251, 65.6%), married (81.6%), and had a college or higher degree (32.4%). Depression, anxiety, stigma, and disclosure of HBV infection were associated with low HRQoL in all four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF (physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains) (P < 0.05), when all psychological factors were included in the model separately. Depression was found to be independently associated with low HRQoL in people living with HBV, when all psychological factors were included in the model simultaneously (P < 0.0001). Our data indicate the urgent need for healthcare providers (HCPs) and policy-makers to implement psychological interventions to improve HRQoL among people living with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Li
- Department of Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Gongchen Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Dalian Sixth People Hospital, Liaoning, China
| | - Fang-Chi Hsu
- Division of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jianzhao Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Xia Pei
- Department of Infectious Disease, Dalian Sixth People Hospital, Liaoning, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Dalian Sixth People Hospital, Liaoning, China
| | - Avinash Shetty
- Office of Global Health, Department of Pediatric/Infectious Disease, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Tu T, Block JM, Wang S, Cohen C, Douglas MW. The Lived Experience of Chronic Hepatitis B: A Broader View of Its Impacts and Why We Need a Cure. Viruses 2020; 12:E515. [PMID: 32392763 DOI: 10.3390/v12050515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is one of the most widespread liver diseases in the world. It is currently incurable and can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. The considerable impacts on society caused by CHB through patient mortality, morbidity, and economic loss are well-recognised in the field. This is, however, a narrow view of the harms, given that people living with CHB can be asymptomatic for the majority of their life-long infection. Of less-appreciated importance are the psychosocial harms, which can continue throughout an affected person's lifetime. Here we review the broad range of these impacts, which include fear and anxiety; financial loss and instability; stigma and discrimination; and rejection by society. Importantly, these directly affect patient diagnosis, management, and treatment. Further, we highlight the roles that the research community can play in taking these factors into account and mitigating them. In particular, the development of a cure for hepatitis B virus infection would alleviate many of the psychosocial impacts of CHB. We conclude that there should be a greater recognition of the full impacts associated with CHB to bring meaningful, effective, and deliverable results to the global community living with hepatitis B.
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Shen K, Yang NS, Huang W, Fitzpatrick TS, Tang W, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Li L, Tucker JD. A crowdsourced intervention to decrease hepatitis B stigma in men who have sex with men in China: A cohort study. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:135-142. [PMID: 31571341 PMCID: PMC8163661 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stigma against people with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a barrier to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HBV in China. Our study examined an innovative intervention to reduce HBV stigma among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. We extracted data from a randomized controlled trial conducted in May 2018, where the intervention consisted of crowdsourced images and videos to promote viral hepatitis testing and reduce HBV stigma. HBV stigma was assessed using a 20-item scale at baseline and four weeks post-enrolment. Participants were divided into three groups based on their exposure to intervention: full exposure, partial exposure and no exposure. Linear regression was used to determine associations between baseline stigma and participant characteristics. Data from 470 MSM were analysed. Mean participant age was 25 years old and 56% had less education than a college bachelor's degree. Full exposure to intervention was associated with significant stigma reduction (adjusted beta = -3.49; 95% CI = -6.11 to -0.87; P = .01), while partial exposure led to stigma reduction that was not statistically significant. The mean stigma score was 50.6 (SD ± 14.7) at baseline, and stigma was most prominent regarding physical contact with HBV carriers. Greater HBV stigma was associated with not having a recent doctor's visit (adjusted beta = 4.35, 95% CI = 0.19 to 8.52; P = .04). In conclusion, crowdsourcing can decrease HBV stigma among MSM in China and may be useful in anti-stigma campaigns for vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Shen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nancy S. Yang
- University of Minnesota Medical School – Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Wenting Huang
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Project China, Guangzhou, China,Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health Global, Guangzhou, China
| | - Thomas S. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Project China, Guangzhou, China,Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health Global, Guangzhou, China,Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Project China, Guangzhou, China,School of Social Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yehua Wang
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Project China, Guangzhou, China,Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health Global, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linghua Li
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph D. Tucker
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Project China, Guangzhou, China,Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health Global, Guangzhou, China,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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