Asian Americans comprise only 7 percent of the United States population yet account for more than half of all hepatitis B cases, highlighting severe health disparities that persist due to widespread testing gaps, according to research published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis.
Approximately 75 percent of all persons living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the United States have not yet been tested, despite available treatments that can cure hepatitis C or control hepatitis B and decrease liver disease progression risks.
Researchers surveyed 151 community members across three Michigan Asian American communities—Burmese, Chinese, and Bangladeshi—to understand barriers to viral hepatitis screening. Striking disparities emerged among the groups based on wealth, education, and immigration history.
Survey respondents who had previously tested for viral hepatitis were wealthier, more proficient in English, and had immigrated to the United States earlier. They also demonstrated higher health literacy, more knowledge about hepatitis B transmission, and greater self-efficacy in navigating healthcare systems.
The Bangladeshi community showed the lowest participation in cancer and viral hepatitis screenings. Many members had fewer years of education and were most likely never screened for any health conditions. Burmese community members reported the lowest health literacy and English proficiency among the groups studied.
Chinese community members, who had lived in the United States longest and reported the highest household incomes, showed the most engagement with preventive health screenings. However, even within this group, far fewer people completed screenings than had heard about them, suggesting education alone remains insufficient without addressing underlying access barriers and cultural factors affecting healthcare utilization.
See: “A Community-Engaged Approach to Identifying and Addressing Viral Hepatitis Determinants in Michigan Asian American Communities” (February 1, 2026)
