Data on Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in immigrants and refugee population are very scanty. The overall goal of this project is to conduct screenings for Hepatitis B and those found positive will be referred for treatment options.
Why it is important
According to CDC, Hepatitis B is the most common hepatitis worldwide with approximately 350-400 million people chronically infected. In the USA, approximately 1.25 million people suffer from chronic HBV infection and up to 70% of those infected are immigrants and refugees or are foreign born. It is likely that the majority of HBV-infected individuals are undiagnosed and those who might be aware of their infection status do not receive the appropriate medical care. Chronic untreated HBV can result in more serious complications. Therefore, early identification and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of these serious complications, reduce deaths and is cost-effective.
Target Population
Because Hepatitis B infections are high in Central and Eastern Asia, Sub-Saharan African Countries, Northern Africa, and Eastern Europe, this study is targeting Nepali, Bhutanese, Burmese, African and foreign-born Immigrants and Refugees in the diaspora.