Survey of hepatitis B knowledge and stigma among chronically infected patients and uninfected persons in Beijing, China

• DOI: 10.1111/liv.13168
• Publication Date: 2016-05-23T18:14:07Z
• Authors: Jiaxin Huang; Mary L. Guan; Jeremy Balch; Elizabeth Wu; Huiying Rao; Andy Lin; Lai Wei; Anna S. Lok
• Keywords: Stigma; Hepatitis C

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection carries substantial stigma in China. We surveyed HBV knowledge and among chronic hepatitis (CHB) patients persons without Beijing, China.Four hundred thirty five CHB 801 controls at Peking University People's Hospital were surveyed.Chronic older (mean 46 vs. 39 years) more often men (71 48%) than controls. Mean score was 11.9/15 for 9.3/15 control (P < 0.001). Average 22.1/39 19.2/30 patients. Controls expressed discomfort with close contact (45%) or sharing meals (39%) believed should not be allowed to work restaurants (58%) childcare (44%). Chronic felt that they undesirable as spouses (33 17%) brought trouble their families (58 34%) Despite legal prohibitions, 40% of required undergo pre-employment testing, 29% these individuals thought lost job opportunities because disease status. 16% regretted disclosing status disclosure inversely associated stigma. Higher age, lower education controls; education, younger having undergone testing regret patients.Despite high prevalence China, our study shows is limited there significant societal internalized infection.