J Viral Hepat. 2022 May 27. doi: 10.1111/jvh.13711. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Approximately 80% of primary healthcare facilities in China were ready to deliver hepatitis care services by 2021. This study aimed to assess hepatitis B and C test uptake, identify the factors associated with testing, and determine the predictors of hepatitis stigma among primary care patients. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among patients seeking care in the family medicine and primary care unit of the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, China. Participants were 30 years or older and had not tested for HBV and HCV in the preceding 12 months. Test uptake was defined as self-reported previous HBV and HCV testing. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, forward multivariable logistic regression, and stepwise multiple linear regression were conducted and a p-value <0.05 was deemed statistically significant. A total of 750 eligible patients completed the survey, and 54.5% (404±0.9) were between 30~40 years old. Most participants were heterosexuals 98.0% (n=735), female 57.5% (n=431), married 78.3% (587), and earned ≤1500 USD per month 54.4% (n=408). A 66.1% (n=496) and 13.7% (n=103) self-reported previous HBV and HCV testing respectively, and 62% (n=468) were vaccinated. HCV testing was associated with HBV testing (aOR= 13.7, 95% CI:2.1~91.5); and HBV testing was associated with family history of HBV (aOR=2.4, 95%CI:1.1~5.5). Overall hepatitis stigma was about average and decreased with family history of HBV (p=0.017). In conclusion, HCV testing uptake among primary care patients was low and needs to be further promoted. Integrating HBV and HCV testing interventions and fostering family-based support for disclosure could effectively improve testing uptake.
PMID:35633086 | DOI:10.1111/jvh.13711
