Open AccessAcceptability and Feasibility of Home-Based Hepatitis B Screening Among Haitian Immigrants
Author(s) -
Patricia D. Jones,
Kristin N Gmunder,
Saradjine Batrony,
Paul Martin,
Erin Kobetz,
Olveen Carrasquillo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of immigrant and minority health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.758
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1557-1920
pISSN - 1557-1912
DOI - 10.1007/s10903-021-01165-z
Subject(s) - medicine , immigration , outreach , hepatitis b , family medicine , public health , hepatitis b virus , immunology , nursing , virus , political science , law , archaeology , history
Hepatitis B (HBV) is endemic in Haiti, therefore Haitian immigrants should be screened to identify and link affected individuals to care. Current screening approaches are ineffective. We assessed the acceptability and feasibility of home-based screening among Haitian immigrants using community health workers (CHWs). We recruited participants exiting a pragmatic trial evaluating strategies to improve care delivery (NCT02970136). Participants completed an acceptability questionnaire. Blood drawn by CHWs at participants' homes or community sites was tested for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody and hepatitis B core antibody. Of 60 participants, 59 found screening acceptable; 53 had blood drawn. Of those, 45.3% had HBV previously, 49.1% remained susceptible and 5.7% were vaccinated. Respondents cited various reasons community members might find screening unacceptable. The high prior HBV rate highlights the need for effective outreach programs. Home-based HBV screening was both acceptable and feasible among Haitian immigrants.