The primary objective of this study was to explore stigma, attitudes, and knowledge related to hepatitis B among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) and Sub-Saharan African (SSA) communities in Australia. This research is part of a broader project examining experiences of stigma among priority populations affected by blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. Our previous studies have focused on other migrant communities in Australia with a high prevalence of hepatitis B, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino populations. To our knowledge, this is the first Australian study to specifically examine hepatitis B-related stigma and knowledge within MENA and SSA communities.
Data collection occurred between August 2024 and May 2025, with participant recruitment supported by state and territory viral hepatitis organisations, multicultural health services, and community volunteers. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older, currently residing in Australia, and either born in the MENA or SSA regions or with parents or grandparents originating from those areas. Surveys were available in hard copy and online formats, and participants could choose to complete them in Arabic, French, Swahili, or English. The final sample included approximately 400 participants. The survey covered a range of topics, including knowledge of hepatitis B transmission and prevention, health-seeking behaviours, attitudes towards the condition, trust in Western medicine, and experiences of racial discrimination in healthcare settings. Recruiting participants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds for hepatitis B research presents well-documented challenges. Nonetheless, the successful recruitment of 400 participants underscores the effectiveness of our engagement strategies and the commitment of our research team. A comprehensive report detailing the findings will be published following completion of the data analysis in 2025.
Hi Sylvester,
This is such an important and interesting study—understanding these mechanisms is crucial for improving advocacy and education efforts. I was wondering if any preliminary results are available yet, or if the analysis is still ongoing?
We conducted a similar study in South Africa and, very surprisingly (though our results are still quite preliminary), we find relatively low levels of perceived stigma—but that was closely linked to a significant lack of knowledge about the virus in the community we studied. I was wondering if education and stigma would be linked similarly in your analysis, especially in a different population/location.
Congrats!
Marion
Hi Marion,
Thank you for your kind words. It is interesting to hear you conducted a similar study in South Africa. We are at the very early stage of data cleaning and analysis. Preliminary results are still largely field reflections as we collected a large proportion of our data in-person. This mechanism afforded us opportunities to interact with participants and get some feelings where results MAY BE tilting.
Our field interactions with participants suggest low level of knowledge even among some highly educated participants. One key learning for us is that collecting data in-person forestalled possibility of participants looking up answers over the internet before answering. We advised those that attempted doing so to consider responding based on what they think or know and then consider looking up “answers” after completing and handing over the survey. We are really excited and looking forward to our results. Please consider pointing me to your final manuscript, as it would definitely make an interesting read.
Once again, thank you for reaching out, Marion, I am most grateful.
Regards,
Sylvester