Social Norm, Family Communication, and HBV Screening among Asian Americans

Abstract

Individuals’ behaviors are influenced by those of others in their social environment (i.e., descriptive norms), as well as by how individuals perceive they should behave in that environment (e.g., injunctive norms). Although social norms are thought to play an important role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening, limited theoretical or empirical guidance exists on how the underlying process works. In addition, norms are social phenomena that are spread through family discussion about the importance of getting HBV screening. Using the theory of normative social behavior (TNSB), this study examined the roles of injunctive norms (IN), descriptive norms (DN), and family discussion in HBV screening behavior among Asian Americans. Data from a survey of Asian Americans in the Baltimore Washington metropolitan area (N = 877) were used to test underlying theoretical propositions. DN and family discussion emerged as key factors in HBV screening behavior among all Asian Americans. IN were associated with HBV screening among Chinese and Korean Americans, but not for Vietnamese Americans. Family discussion moderated the influence of DN on behavior among Chinese and Vietnamese Americans. However, the main effect of DN on screening behavior was not modified by IN (no interactions between DN and IN). The results indicate that family discussion and social norms are integral in enabling Asian Americans to undergo HBV screening and warrant sensitivity in the design and implementation of a liver cancer prevention program in this high-risk group of Asian Americans.

MECHANISMS Study: Using Game Theory to Assess the Effects of Social Norms and Social Networks on Adolescent Smoking in Schools—Study Protocol

“…During the “Confirmation” stage, they gain support (on-going from peer supporters) for the decision to implement the innovation. Furthermore, in the medium term, the remaining individuals in the social system (i.e., late majority and laggards) who are less well-connected than the early adopters and early majority are encouraged to undergo the same process (i.e., to progress from the “Knowledge” to the “Confirmation” stage) due to increased perceptions of peer support, changed social norms, and role modeling ( 27 , 31 ). In the longer-term, the intervention is expected to lead to reduced rates of initiation of tobacco-related behaviors, delayed average age at first tobacco-use, reduced morbidity and mortality, and improved health and mental well-being ( 32 – 35 ).…”

Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Tests in Global Contexts: Case Study and Concept Analysis

“…Empirical data have revealed that individuals decide to undergo cancer screening based on their past health experiences, their sociocultural context and the social influences of friends, family, and HCPs. [2149565758] The sociocultural context, which refers to the personal characteristics of individuals, influences whether individuals recognize their risk of cervical cancer and seek cervical screening. [58] As for interpersonal factors, the case studies revealed cancer screening behavior as a function of a person's social network.…”

Chinese Immigrant Women's Attitudes and Beliefs About Family Involvement in Women's Health and Healthcare: A Qualitative Study in Chicago's Chinatown

“…Although the literature is growing and has illuminated contributing factors across multiple levels—individual, provider, and contextual—few studies have examined the role of family social support, or the processes by which family relationships promote healthcare utilization and health-seeking behaviors among Chinese immigrant women in the United States. 11–14 This dearth of studies is surprising, given widely accepted cultural perspectives tracing back to Confucianism with regard to gender/family roles and relationships in caregiving, such as traditional three-generational households, women as caretakers of the family, and filial piety (obligation of children to respect and caregive for aging parents). 14–17 But with evolving Chinese family structures, filial expectations, and practices of care provision, 7 , 13 , 18–20 ongoing research is needed.…”