Social Determinants of Stigma and Discrimination in Vietnamese Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

• Main Authors: Thieu Van Le, Thuc Thi Minh Vu, Hue Thi Mai, Long Hoang Nguyen, Nu Thi Truong, Chi Linh Hoang, Son Hoang Nguyen, Cuong Tat Nguyen, Binh Cong Nguyen, Tung Hoang Tran, Bach Xuan Tran, Carl A. Latkin, Cyrus S.H. Ho, Roger C.M. Ho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: chronic hepatitis B (CHB); hepatitis B virus (HBV); stigma; discrimination
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/3/398

Vietnam is among the countries with the highest prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and individuals who suffer from CHB oftentimes perceive high levels of stigma and discrimination. Our study aimed to provide evidence on the prevalence of stigma against hepatitis B virus (HBV), HBV infection, and social determinants of stigma and discrimination in patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Viet-Tiep Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam. Stigma and discrimination against CHB in the last month were measured via four dimensions: (1) Blame/Judgment; (2) Shame; (3) Discrimination in different settings; (4) Disclosure of CHB status. Multivariate Logistic and Tobit regressions were used to identify factors associated with CHB-related stigma and discrimination. Among 298 enrolled patients, 4.8% experienced blame/judgement, 10.2% perceived shame, 48.5% felt discriminated in healthcare facilities, and 90.6% disclosed their health status with spouses/partners. Factors associated with lower odds of CHB-related stigma/discrimination included living with spouses/partners, old age, being employed, and the existence of comorbidities was linked with higher odds of stigma. Anti-stigma programs should target those who are younger and have comorbidities. This could be done by community-based interventions which focus on inaccurate beliefs about viral hepatitis. Furthermore, families, healthcare providers, and society should play a crucial role in supporting CHB patients.