|
|
Learning Objective:
1.Understand the challenges to developing a comprehensive community-based program for hepatitis B prevention and care.
2.Learn strategies to develop and implement such a program.
Background:
The burden of hepatitis B infection is found primarily within the Asian American community, especially among recent immigrants.
Setting:
Estimates state that between 10-20% of New York City's large Asian American population is chronically infected with HBV. In response to this epidemic, a coalition was formed to reduce the burden of hepatitis B infection in this community through increased education, screening, vaccination and follow-up care.
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
API Adults
Project Description:
A media campaign targeting the Chinese and Korean communities was followed by no-cost community-based educational workshops and screenings. HBV-infected persons were referred for evaluation to a multi-specialty, culturally-sensitive Family Liver Center. Participants were eligible to receive vaccinations in the community. The NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health coordinated program logistics, the New York City Council funded program services.
Results/Lessons Learned:
The program became operational in January 2005. Approximately 2000 persons attended educational workshops and were tested for HBV, nearly 500 persons were vaccinated and more than 300 HBV chronically infected persons were identified and referred for evaluation and treatment. The success of the program depended on: 1) committed and broad-based support for overcoming numerous cross-institutional obstacles; 2) collaborative effort involving health specialists, community-based organizations, local government and health departments; and 3) working under a culturally- and community-oriented approach
See more of Poster Session #1
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference