Breaking Down Barriers for Hepatitis B Screening in the Bronx West African Community Education in Collaboration with Faith-Based Organizations

Background: To assess the impact of a culturally sensitive educational program conducted in conjunction with faith-based organizations in screening for hepatitis B in the Bronx West African community. Methods: A presentation on hepatitis B with a special emphasis on the relevance for the West African community was developed. Arrangements were made with leaders of West African faith-based organizations to conduct educational programs following religious services after which a survey was completed to assess attitudes towards the infection and motivation for testing. Arrangements were then made for serologic testing at which time hypertension screening was also performed. Findings: Nine events in which a total of 550 people (61±12) attended were held. Among 339 (62·1+4·7%) who completed the questionnaire, 325 (95±1%) reported improved understanding and 236 (67±4%) and 319 (93±3%) greater comfort in sharing a meal and talking with an infected individual, respectively. 274 (83±3%) indicated an intention to undergo testing, and 33 (98±1%) indicated that they would encourage family and friends to undergo screening. 332 (65·2±5·6%) participants requested serologic testing. Among those requesting testing, 224 (63·7±6·4%) underwent testing. Twenty-four (11±2·8%) tested positive for HBs Ag. Eighty-one (36·2%) of the participants were hypertensive at the time of testing, including 61 (29·0%) without a previous history of hypertension. Interpretation: A culturally sensitive educational program in collaboration with faith-based organizations is effective in motivating people from West Africa to undergo screening for hepatitis B and enrolling them in the health care system for preventative health measures. Funding: Check Hep B Navigation Program funded by the New York Council, Gilead Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Global Health Center and generous donations by Friends and Family of Jason Marks and the 41-74 Club of NY. Declaration of Interest: Samuel Sigal has honoraria for consultations on Advisory Boards sponsored by Gilead Sciences. Emmanuel U. Emeasoba, Fatima Omarufilo, and John Nnaemeka Bosah have no potential or actual conflicts of interest from funding or affiliation-related activities. Ethical Approval: The project was approved by the Albert Einstein School of Medicine.