BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO HEPATITIS B SCREENING IN HONG KONG: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF PATIENT PERSPECTIVES...
Author(s)
Chenwen Zhong, PhD1, Junjie Huang, PhD2, Martin Chi Sang Wong, MD3.
1JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong, China, 2The Chinese University of Hong Kong, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Facul, Hong Kong, 3JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong.
1JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong, China, 2The Chinese University of Hong Kong, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Facul, Hong Kong, 3JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis B remains a prevalent liver disease worldwide and in Hong Kong, where undetected infection may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Gaining insight into patient perspectives on HBV screening is essential to inform effective implementation strategies.
METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was employed in Hong Kong. Community-dwelling adults were recruited from Lek Yuen Family Medicine Clinic using purposive sampling. Three participant groups were included: individuals who were HBsAg-positive(n=4), HBsAg-negative(n=4), and those uncertain of their infection status(n=4).Interview and coding were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research(CFIR).
RESULTS: Among the 12 participants, nine were female; most were older than 60 years, and the majority had attained secondary education or less. Participants generally perceived HBV screening as beneficial, highlighting advantages such as early diagnosis, prompt medical management, prevention through vaccination and treatment, reduced disease progression, and potential life prolongation. Confidence in screening was stronger when services were provided by government or public healthcare sectors. Across CFIR domains, in the Outer Setting, increasing awareness was counterbalanced by low perceived urgency, entrenched cultural beliefs, economic constraints, and ambiguity regarding post-screening care pathways, although financial subsidies supported participation. In the Inner Setting, insufficient information dissemination and poor communication resulted in limited patient awareness; however, participants tended to prioritize health over privacy concerns, and emphasized the importance of adequate follow-up services. Within the Individuals domain, awareness of personal risk encouraged screening uptake, whereas low perceived susceptibility, limited knowledge, complex registration procedures, inconvenient locations, time limitations, financial concerns, and apprehension about side effects and data privacy acted as deterrents. In the Process domain, school-based education initiatives facilitated screening, while insufficient community-level promotion impeded engagement.
CONCLUSIONS: Although patients acknowledge the clinical value of HBV screening, its implementation is constrained by fragmented systems, gaps in information, and logistical challenges. Strengthening government-led, coordinated screening programs may improve participation and screening uptake.
METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was employed in Hong Kong. Community-dwelling adults were recruited from Lek Yuen Family Medicine Clinic using purposive sampling. Three participant groups were included: individuals who were HBsAg-positive(n=4), HBsAg-negative(n=4), and those uncertain of their infection status(n=4).Interview and coding were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research(CFIR).
RESULTS: Among the 12 participants, nine were female; most were older than 60 years, and the majority had attained secondary education or less. Participants generally perceived HBV screening as beneficial, highlighting advantages such as early diagnosis, prompt medical management, prevention through vaccination and treatment, reduced disease progression, and potential life prolongation. Confidence in screening was stronger when services were provided by government or public healthcare sectors. Across CFIR domains, in the Outer Setting, increasing awareness was counterbalanced by low perceived urgency, entrenched cultural beliefs, economic constraints, and ambiguity regarding post-screening care pathways, although financial subsidies supported participation. In the Inner Setting, insufficient information dissemination and poor communication resulted in limited patient awareness; however, participants tended to prioritize health over privacy concerns, and emphasized the importance of adequate follow-up services. Within the Individuals domain, awareness of personal risk encouraged screening uptake, whereas low perceived susceptibility, limited knowledge, complex registration procedures, inconvenient locations, time limitations, financial concerns, and apprehension about side effects and data privacy acted as deterrents. In the Process domain, school-based education initiatives facilitated screening, while insufficient community-level promotion impeded engagement.
CONCLUSIONS: Although patients acknowledge the clinical value of HBV screening, its implementation is constrained by fragmented systems, gaps in information, and logistical challenges. Strengthening government-led, coordinated screening programs may improve participation and screening uptake.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-09, ISPOR Asia Pacific 2026, Bangkok, Thailand
Value in Health, Volume 55, Issue S1
Code
HSD9
Topic
Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Disease
SDC: Infectious Disease (non-vaccine)