Social-cultural, traditional beliefs, and health system barriers of hepatitis B screening among Hmong Americans: A case study.

Background: The incidence of liver cancer in Hmong Americans is 5 times higher than that of non-Hispanic whites, and there is a low hepatitis B screening rate (24%) among Hmong adults compared with other Asian American populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the Hmong's perceptions on social-cultural determinants, traditional health beliefs, and health care system barriers that influenced community-based hepatitis B screening interventions.

Methods: A qualitative method was used, integrating a collective case study research design.

High frequency of the PNPLA3 rs738409 [G] single-nucleotide polymorphism in Hmong individuals as a potential basis for a predisposition to chronic liver disease.

Background: An exploratory study was performed to determine the prevalence of the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) rs78409 [G] allele among the Hmong as a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is the world's most common chronic liver disease and is expected to replace viral hepatitis as the leading cause of cirrhosis and potential precursor to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Of all populations in California, the Hmong experience the highest risk of death from HCC and the highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors among Asians that predispose them to NAFLD.

Barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening among women of Hmong origin.

This qualitative study explored the barriers and facilitators of cancer screening among women of Hmong origin. Using a community-based participatory research approach, we conducted focus groups (n=44) with Hmong women who represented four distinct demographic groups among the Hmong community. The participants described sociocultural barriers to screening, which included a lack of accurate knowledge about the causes of cervical cancer, language barriers, stigma, fear, lack of time, and embarrassment.

Increasing hepatitis B screening for hmong adults: results from a randomized controlled community-based study.

Background: Hepatitis B-linked liver cancer disproportionately affects Hmong Americans. With an incidence rate of 18.9 per 100,000, Hmong Americans experience liver cancer at a rate that is 6 to 7 times more than that of non-Hispanic Whites.

Factors associated with pap testing among Hmong women.

This paper reports the baseline data on the proportion of Hmong women (n=402), ages 18-65, in Sacramento, California who reported that they had a Pap test for the early detection of cervical cancer. We assessed the association between sociodemographic characteristics and Pap test receipt using chi-squared and multiple logistic regression analyses. Only 74% had ever had a Pap test, with 61% tested in the previous three years, compared with 91% and 86%, respectively, of California women overall.

Access to Adequate Healthcare for Hmong Women: A Patient Navigation Program to Increase Pap Test Screening.

This paper describes the development and implementation of a Hmong Cervical Cancer Intervention Program utilizing a patient navigation model to raise cervical cancer awareness for Hmong women through educational workshops and to assist Hmong women in obtaining a Pap test. Out of 402 women who participated in a baseline survey, the Patient Navigation Program was able to enroll 109 participants who had not had a Pap test in the past 3 years and had never had a Pap test. Through utilization of outreach, an awareness campaign and patient navigation support, at least 38 percent of 109 participants obtained a Pap test.