Optimizing HBV Care Cascade Among Foreign-Born in the United States (FOCUS-HBV Study)
Background: People who were born outside of the country are the largest group of adults infected with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the US. HBV affects the liver. If not treated, HBV infection can lead to serious liver disease, including cancer. One recent study showed that only 35% of foreign-born US adults were aware of their HBV infections. Foreign-born US adults may also have trouble getting proper care after they are diagnosed with HBV. In one small survey, language, cultural, and financial barriers were cited as the biggest reasons for not receiving care. To help more people with HBV, researchers want to learn how to find and overcome any barriers to care.
Objective: This natural history study seeks to identify and better understand barriers that prevent foreign-born US adults from getting proper care for HBV infections.
Eligibility: People aged 18 years and older with chronic HBV who were born outside of the US.
Design: Participants will visit the NIH clinic 1 time. This visit will take about 20 minutes. Researchers will review participants medical records and collect information about their HBV. Participants will complete a survey. They will answer questions about: Where they came from. When they came to the US. How well they have adapted to living in the US. The health care they have received for HBV. Their age, gender, and education. Participants will be paid $10 for completing the survey. ...
⁃ In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
• Male or female, aged \>=18 years
• Diagnosed of chronic HBV (HBsAg-positive)
• Self-reported country of birth outside of the US