Drazic, Yvonne, Caltabiano, Marie, and Clough, Alan (2011) Hepatitis B awareness: addressing gaps and barriers in a high risk population with a focus on antenatal care. In: National Hepatitis Health Promotion Conference (2011) pp. 40-41. From: National Hepatitis Health Promotion Conference: joining the dots for successful health promotion, 24-25 November 2011, Brisbane, QLD. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Research indicates that health-related quality of life is impaired in people with chronic hepatitis C whereas little is known about similar effects of chronic hepatitis B. A study was conducted to explore differences in HRQoL (including perceived stigma) between CHB and CHC participants. As expected, CHB participants scored substantially lower on perceived stigma. However, there was no difference in HRQoL between the two groups, indicating that other factors must impact negatively on people with CHB.

The current research aims to reduce unrecognized and untreated cases of CHB. Two priority populations and several priority action areas in the First National Hepatitis B Strategy are being addressed. Migrant populations from endemic areas represent the majority of people with CHB in Australia. Studies in the U.S. show that Hmong people are worse affected than most. Therefore, the Hmong community living in Cairns area (Far North Queensland) will likely benefit from -and has expressed interest in participating in this research.

Routine antenatal screening offers great opportunities for increasing awareness about CHB, especially in people at increased risk. However, follow-up care for women who test positive during pregnancy is often neglected, partly due to a lack of CHB knowledge and awareness in primary health care providers.

Phase 1 of this project aims to assess current hepatitis B awareness and antenatal practice in order to identify gaps and barriers. This includes CHB-related information currently provided to pregnant women; barriers preventing health-seeking behaviours; and to what extent and through whom contact tracing (screening/immunization/monitoring) occurs. Considering that the majority of people with CHB were infected at birth or during early childhood, it is important to not only trace household contacts but also parents and siblings living elsewhere.

The objectives for Phase 1 are to survey local GPs, a high risk population (using psychosocial constructs based on behavioural theory), and new/expectant mothers from the general population, and to make comparisons where appropriate. The results will form the basis for the development and evaluation of suitable interventions in Phase 11. This presentation will cover the work that has been done so far.

Item ID:	20271
Item Type:	Conference Item (Presentation)
Related URLs:	Organisation
Date Deposited:	19 Jul 2013 06:48
FoR Codes:	17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology @ 50% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111712 Health Promotion @ 50%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920404 Disease Distribution and Transmission (incl. Surveillance and Response) @ 30% 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920401 Behaviour and Health @ 30% 92 HEALTH > 9205 Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) > 920503 Health Related to Specific Ethnic Groups @ 40%
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