A Novel Collaborative Community-Based Hepatitis B Screening and Linkage to Care Program for African Immigrants

Abstract

Background. Sub-Saharan African nations have among the highest rates of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection worldwide, but little is known about HBV infection in African-born persons in the United States. Methods. From October 2011 to July 2013, community-based HBV screenings were conducted targeting persons originating from Africa in New York City. Persons were identified as currently HBV infected (HBsAg positive) or exposed (HBcAb positive). Results. Overall, 955 persons were screened for HBV; the median age was 45 years (interquartile range, 35-54 years) and 75.5% were men. Of these, 919 persons had no history of liver disease, of whom 9.6% (n = 88) had current HBV infection and 73.9% (n = 679) had exposure. In logistic regression, older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI],. 94-.99; P