Risk Factors for Liver Disease and Associated Knowledge and Practices Among Mexican Adults in the US and Mexico

Abstract

Latinos in the US are disproportionately affected by chronic liver disease, which is the sixth most common cause of death among this group. In Mexico, cirrhosis and other liver diseases are the fourth leading cause of general mortality. The objective of this study was to contrast the liver disease risk factors, knowledge, and prevention practices reported among separate samples of Mexicans living in Los Angeles, CA and in Cuernavaca, Mexico. We assessed the prevalence of specific risk factors (body mass index, waist circumference, and alcohol consumption), the level of knowledge about liver disease in general, hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV), as well as prevention activities such as screening and vaccination. Data were collected from in-person interviews and anthropometric measures obtained from Mexican adults aged 18-70 years. Chi-square and t tests were used to compare the results between groups. Numerous similarities were observed in the bi-national samples, including high prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, and high levels of alcohol consumption. Most participants in both countries recognized that excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for liver disease, but only 60% correctly identified hepatitis C, being overweight or obese, or having diabetes as risk factors. Few participants reported having been screened for HBV or HCV, vaccinated for HBV, or having the intention of getting screened for HBV or HCV. US participants reported significantly higher levels of prevention activities and screening intentions than those in Mexico. Identifying the specific risk factors, levels of knowledge and prevention activities that affect specific racial/ethnic populations is important in order to effectively target efforts to prevent liver disease.

Hepatitis and liver disease knowledge and preventive practices among health workers in Mexico: a cross-sectional study

“…This questionnaire was designed to obtain additional information about hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and general knowledge of liver disease and preventive practices that was not collected as part of the main study questionnaire. The development of the questionnaire and selection of the study variables were both guided by the theoretical perspective of the Health Behavior Framework (Bastani et al 2010) and previous liver disease studies by the authors (Bastani et al 2007; Flores et al 2012). For example, the hepatitis B and hepatitis C items were adapted from prior questionnaires designed by the authors (Bastani et al 2007; Flores et al 2012).…”

“…The development of the questionnaire and selection of the study variables were both guided by the theoretical perspective of the Health Behavior Framework (Bastani et al 2010) and previous liver disease studies by the authors (Bastani et al 2007; Flores et al 2012). For example, the hepatitis B and hepatitis C items were adapted from prior questionnaires designed by the authors (Bastani et al 2007; Flores et al 2012). Many of the perceived susceptibility items, as well as the questions regarding the knowledge and beliefs about the risk factors for liver disease and liver cancer, were also obtained from previous studies by the authors (Bastani et al 2007; Flores et al 2012).…”

“…For example, the hepatitis B and hepatitis C items were adapted from prior questionnaires designed by the authors (Bastani et al 2007; Flores et al 2012). Many of the perceived susceptibility items, as well as the questions regarding the knowledge and beliefs about the risk factors for liver disease and liver cancer, were also obtained from previous studies by the authors (Bastani et al 2007; Flores et al 2012). Information was obtained about the participants’ knowledge regarding risk factors for liver disease (e.g.…”

“…These results were compared to determine if there were any significant differences between the four categories, with the group of “non-clinicians without patient contact” as the reference. A score of 70% or higher was determined as having “adequate knowledge”, as defined in previous studies (Soto-Salgado et al 2010; Flores et al 2012). A mean score was determined for each of the three knowledge domains, which was compared by a series of variables of interest, including socio-demographic characteristics, hepatitis screening and prevention practices, and known risk factors for liver disease.…”

“…To our knowledge, only one published study has investigated liver disease knowledge and preventive practices among a sample of non-health workers in Mexico (Flores et al 2012). Health workers are an important source of information for the general population, and it is important that their level of knowledge and prevention practices be ascertained.…”