Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

INTRODUCTION: The burden of chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) in the UK Nepali population is unknown. We aimed to determine knowledge of liver disease (LD) and prevalence of CVH in this community. METHODS: This was a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) study guided by a multidisciplinary stakeholder group. Focus groups (FG) led by Nepali community leaders explored LD knowledge. Thereafter, a prospective community-based cohort study utilising dried-blood spot testing was conducted. Thematic analysis explored FG data with categorical data analysed with Excel and R Studio. RESULTS: FG data showed a lack of LD knowledge, with conflict between the roles of traditional and modern practices; 1,005 participants (525 male, 480 female) were tested for CVH, with a mean age of 63 years (range:19-86). Rates of CVH infection were low: 0.3% had current hepatitis B, with no active hepatitis C. DISCUSSION: Key drivers for enthusiastic participation were development of peer support networks and advisory groups to disseminate information, including hepatitis B vaccine recommendations.

Original publication

DOI

10.7861/clinmed.2022-0356

Type

Journal article

Journal

Clinical medicine (London, England)

Publication Date

01/11/2023

Volume

23

Pages

563 - 570