Predisposing, Reinforcing and Enabling Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Testing in Chinese Canadians in British Columbia

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Liver cancer, a significant health problem in Chinese, can be controlled through HBV bloodtesting, vaccination, and community education about HBV. The PRECEDE framework has been very helpful inidentifying factors associated with health practices. <br/><b>Objectives</b>: The objective was to identify factors associatedwith HBV testing in Chinese Canadians, using the PRECEDE framework. <br/><b>Methods</b>: Five hundred and thirtythreerandomly selected Chinese Canadian adults were interviewed about HBV blood testing practices. Factorswere grouped as predisposing, reinforcing and enabling. <br/><b>Results</b>: Fifty-five percent had received HBV bloodtesting. Several predisposing factors, all reinforcing factors and one enabling factor were associated with HBVtesting in bivariate analysis. A physician’s recommendation for testing was the strongest factor associated withtesting in multiple logistic regression analysis (OR=4.4, p<0.0001). Interpretation: Many Chinese Canadian adultsin Vancouver have not been tested for HBV. Continuing educational efforts are needed and the PRECEDEframework can inform the development of health education interventions.