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Mohamed EA, Giama NH, Shaleh HM, Kerandi L, Oseini AM, Ahmed Mohammed H, Kerandi H, Allotey LK, Waaeys IA, Ali HA, Ali HM, Mohamed SA, Yang JD, Gaga WO, Tamire LL, Windissa A, Patten CA, Balls-Berry JE, Roberts LR. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Viral Hepatitis Among Recent African Immigrants in the United States: A Community Based Participatory Research Qualitative Study. Front Public Health 2020; 8:25. [PMID: 32211358 PMCID: PMC7067746 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the United States, hepatocellular carcinoma is the ninth leading cause of cancer mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma disproportionately affects individuals of African ancestry with the rates being higher amongst individuals of foreign-born African ancestry. This study explored knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward viral hepatitis transmission, screening, and vaccination among recent African immigrants in Minnesota and identify ways to improve early detection and screening methods. Methods: A community based participatory research (CBPR) team with minority researchers and community members sought to gain insight on persons of African Ancestry knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to viral hepatitis by conducting a qualitative research study. The CBPR team developed a focus group moderator's guide with semi-structured questions related to transmission, screening, and vaccination of viral hepatitis. We conducted seven focus groups using bilingual, bicultural moderators with participants from local Ethiopian, Liberian and Kenyan communities from August 10th, 2014 to October 11th, 2014. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. The CBPR team categorized the data into themes and subthemes with consensus using traditional content analysis. Results: Community partners recruited 63 participants with a majority identifying as male (51%). Participants lacked knowledge of viral hepatitis screening, vaccination, and treatment. Participants were aware of some behaviors that increased risk of acquisition of hepatitis. Participants endorsed a strategy of developing and delivering educational materials for African immigrants. Moreover, access to care and cultural awareness were mentioned as pivotal for prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis. Conclusions: Findings from this pilot study provide insight on areas of research focus. Having a research team consisting of members from the community helped to increase trust and foster an understanding of shared community values. Information from this study provides evidence to support the development culturally appropriate strategies to address disparities in viral hepatitis in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essa A Mohamed
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Nasra H Giama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Hassan M Shaleh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Linda Kerandi
- Urgent Care and Clinic, Midpoint Medical Clinic, Brooklyn Park, MN, United States
| | - Abdul M Oseini
- Division of Gastroenterology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Hager Ahmed Mohammed
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Henry Kerandi
- Urgent Care and Clinic, Midpoint Medical Clinic, Brooklyn Park, MN, United States
| | - Loretta K Allotey
- Medical School, University of Minnesota, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Hamdi A Ali
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Hawa M Ali
- Medical School, University of Minnesota, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Ju Dong Yang
- Transplant Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wudneh O Gaga
- St. George Ethiopian Tewahido Orthodox Church, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Lily L Tamire
- St. George Ethiopian Tewahido Orthodox Church, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Awol Windissa
- Pillsbury United Communities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Christi A Patten
- Behavioral Health Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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