Hepatitis B virus outreach to immigrant population in Greater Boston Area: Key to improving hepatitis B knowledge

Table 3 Responses to additional open ended questions n (%)

Variable	Pre	Post
Why is it important to test those at risk for HBV?
Prevent the spread of infection	21 (24)	8 (16)
Initiate the treatment early	14 (16)	10 (20)
To be aware of our status	12 (14)	8 (16)
Prevent long term complications	9 (10)	8 (16)
Because no symptoms are present until late stage	2 (2)
I don’t know	27 (31)	11 (22)
To vaccinate those unaffected		2 (4)
2 of the above	2 (2)	2 (4)
Why you do not think it is important to test
It is important	36 (73)	22 (81)
It is not important	3 (6)	1 (3)
I don’t know	6 (12)	2 (7)
Because it is not very common	1 (2)
I don’t have enough information to recommend the test	2 (4)
Patient has the right to decide if he wants it	1 (2)	1 (3)
Because everybody has Hepatitis B		1 (3)
Barriers of access to medical care
Insurance coverage	18 (31)	17 (40)
It is easy for me	28 (48)	16 (38)
I don't know	3 (5)	2 (5)
Absence of good doctors	1 (2)
Lack of available doctors	2 (3)	1 (2)
Lack of time	2 (3)
Language barrier	1 (2)	1 (2)
Others reasons	2 (3)	3 (7)
2 factors above	1 (2)	2 (5)
Uncomfortable asking for Hepatitis B testing
I don’t find it uncomfortable	45 (90)	26 (76)
I am afraid of the result/consequences of the infection	2 (4)	2 (6)
Shyness/fear of what he might think	2 (4)	2 (6)
Because it is sexually transmitted	1 (2)
Because I feel well		1 (3)
Because it is taboo		3 (9)
Why it will be difficult to get tested for HBV
It would not be difficult for me	38 (64)	24 (61)
Insurance coverage	6 (10)	5 (13)
Fear of the results	4 (7)	5 (13)
I don't know	5 (8)	1 (2.5)
Cost of the test	4 (7)	1 (2.5)
Concerns about confidentiality	2 (3)	1 (2.5)
Lack of time		1 (2.5)
2 or 3 factors above	2 (3)	1 (2.5)
Why it could be difficult to get treated for HBV
It would not be difficult for me	37 (65)	19 (59)
Insurance coverage	7 (12)	2 (7)
Cost of treatment	4 (7)	3 (9)
Treatment side effects	2 (3.5)
I don't know	3 ( (5))
Lifelong treatment		2 (7)
Lack of treatment providers	1 (2)
Other reasons	1 (2)
2 0r 3 factors above	2 (3.5)	6 (19)

Pre and Post indicate answers provided prior to and following teaching session, respectively; HBV: hepatitis B virus.