J Korean Acad Fam Med.  2005 Feb;26(2):81-87.

The Barriers for Screening Test of Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Positive Patients

• Oh SM
• Chang YJ
• Lee DJ
• Kim YI
• Kim JY
• Huh BY

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.

Keyword

hepatitis; hepatocellular carcinoma; screening; barrier; compliance

MeSH Terms

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
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
alpha-Fetoproteins