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Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
Participants will be able to: 1) List two compelling reasons for hepatitis B prevention in schools, 2) Describe intervention activities in Washington schools 3) Describe steps in conducting a school program.
Background:
Every week hundreds of teenagers are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). API teenagers have the highest hepatitis B disease risk. By 1994, <10% of more than two million American API children over 2 years of age had received hepatitis B vaccine. Without targeted vaccination efforts, many of these children are at increase risk of HBV infection and long term complications. Washington State's API population ranks seventh highest nationally. In response, Washington developed the API Task Force to increase hepatitis B vaccination among API children.
Methods:
: HBV prevention for API teens requires a collaborative process. To accomplish national and state goals, the Washington API Task Force teen outreach strategies include: 1) Conducting school education, screening, and vaccination clinics 2) Supporting coalitions and alliances' collaborative efforts 3) Developing and implementing culturally specific hepatitis B education programs.
Results:
Since 2002, outreach efforts at three high schools screened 649 students for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody and found 377 immune, 265 with negative titers and 8 chronic carriers. Over 220 students were immunized and chronic carriers were provided referrals for follow-up. Clinic staff provided education and resources.
Conclusions:
Teens are at high risk for hepatitis B infection and long term complications. High schools are an opportunity to reach at risk youth and promote positive health behaviors. Strengthening linkages with schools and community partners can be effective in promoting hepatitis B vaccination and preventing hepatitis B in API communities.
See more of A1 - High Risk Adolescent Hepatitis Prevention
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference