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Table 3 Lack of knowledge and risk perception for CHB and its complications

From: Sociocultural barriers to hepatitis B health literacy in an immigrant population: a focus group study in Korean Americans

Theme

Question

Illustrative quotes

Part A.

Asymptomatic nature of CHB

Do you know what symptoms CHB can give? If there are no symptoms, does this mean you are safe?

Since my HBV infection diagnosis 15 years ago, I have never bothered to see a doctor for it. I never had any symptoms and I have never felt sick except for common colds. If I have symptoms such as easy fatigue or persistent tiredness, I would probably seek a doctor to have a checkup.

Part B.

Chronic nature of CHB

Have you heard of active vs. inactive disease? What do you know about them?

Although I was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B more than 20 years ago, I never bothered to see a doctor for a checkup. I remember my doctor then telling me that I was a healthy carrier, and I naturally thought I would not have any serious outcomes from this infection.

I understand that because my HBV infection is inactive, I don’t need to worry about transmission. It made me feel good since I would not endanger anyone.

I remember my CHB was once active when I was first diagnosed, but then in a follow-up, my doctor told me that my infection became inactive subsequently and there was no need to treat it. Since then, I felt no further need to see a doctor for my HB infection.

Is there a treatment for CHB?

I know there are medicine for CHB, but I don’t think they can cure CHB. So, I don’t consider them as treatment.

Heard there is no cure.

Don’t think it’s curable for now- Believe new tx will come out soon.

I haven’t seen any ads for treatment of Hep B-- believe there is no tx for hep B.

Part C.

Liver cancer and other complications

Do you know if chronic HBV infection can cause liver cancer and other complications?

If I’m lucky then nothing will happen, but If I am unluckyn, then it will cause other complications

I know that CHB can cause liver cancer, but I always felt that it was very rare. I know alcohol drinking can cause bad liver disease.

I am not an alcohol drinker, so I am not really worried about liver cancer.

Some will develop liver cancer or liver cirrhosis.

Never thought about it. I would say higher chance of getting complications.

I think liver cancer can happen only to those who are very sick with CHB, with a lot of symptoms and active infection.