Hepatitis B: views and experiences
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimisation of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Case Finding and Secondary Care Engagement among migrant populations: Qualitative Research in the Bristol African Population.
IRAS ID
132956
Contact name
Alexandra Cochrane
Contact email
Research summary
Chronic Hepatitis B frequently causes cirrhosis and liver cancer. Infection acquired in childhood or adult life can be asymptomatic, but can cause progressive liver damage leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer in later life. People born in countries with higher rates of infection have an increased risk of being infected themselves, and testing for viral hepatitis in these people is recommended. There is a safe and effective vaccine against hepatitis B. Thus all close contacts of individuals with hepatitis B infection should be tested for hepatitis B, and if they are not naturally immune they should be vaccinated.
Previous experience has shown that standard strategies to promote testing such leaflets and routine letters have limmited success, particularly in immigrant populations. In addition even when viral hepatitis is diagnosed there is poor engagement with secondary care, and vaccination uptake is patchy.
Of immigrant populations within the UK, Africans are among those with the highest chronic hepatits B prevalence (often >8%).In this study barriers to testing, contact tracing, vaccination and engagement with secondary care will be explored through focus groups and interviews with members of the African immigrant community and healthcare providers. These focus groups and interviews will follow qualitative research methods to maximise our chances of capturing all the important issues. This new understanding will then be published and passed on to commissioners and health service providers to inform development of the hepatitis B services.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1180
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion