The Barriers for Screening Test of Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Positive Patients.
- Author:
Seung Min OH
1
;
Yoon Jung CHANG
;
Dong Ju LEE
;
Yu Il KIM
;
Ju Yung KIM
;
Bong Yul HUH
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea. kkamburi@sendu.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
hepatitis;
hepatocellular carcinoma;
screening;
barrier;
compliance
- MeSH:
alpha-Fetoproteins;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*;
Compliance;
Early Diagnosis;
Follow-Up Studies;
Health Promotion;
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens*;
Hepatitis B*;
Hepatitis*;
Humans;
Liver;
Mass Screening*;
Telephone;
Ultrasonography
- From:Journal of the Korean Academy of Family Medicine
2005;26(2):81-87
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The optimal screening tools for hepat ocellular carcinoma are regular tests of alpha fetoprotein (aFP)and liver ultrasonography every 6 months in high risk group. To implement successful long-term project for reducing cancer-mortality,it is essential to know the reasons f or non-compliance among the high risk group. METHODS: A telephone survey was done a mong the hepatitis B surface antigen positive patient group who had not receiveda follow-up test of aFP and liver ultrasonography. This group was selected among the patients who had received health examinations from January,2002 to December,2002 at a university hospital center for health promotion, and the reasons for non-compliance were inquired. RESULTS: There were no stati stical di fferences i n educational level,economic status,age,and sex between the patient group who had taken appropriate follow-up tests and the group who had not. But there were statistically significant differences in the admission history and t ransf usi on hi st ory bet ween t he t wo groups. The reasons for non-compliance were as follows:1. ignorance to the significance of follow-up examination (41.7%),2.lack of time (27.8%),3.no specific signs of cancer (22.2%),4.high costs (5.6%),and 5.fear of discovering serious disease. CONCLUSION: It is important to have patients educated on the significance of screening and early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
