Social Determinants of Health and Quality of Life Among Korean Americans with Chronic Hepatitis B

TL;DR

This study explores how social factors like financial stability and neighborhood support affect the quality of life for Korean Americans with chronic hepatitis B.

Contribution

The study identifies key social determinants influencing physical and mental health outcomes in Korean Americans with chronic hepatitis B.

Findings

Employment and financial stability are linked to better physical and mental health quality of life.

Social support and neighborhood cohesion are associated with improved mental health.

Older adults report worse physical but better mental health compared to younger individuals.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection disproportionately affects Asian Americans, who often experience additional social and structural challenges that may influence quality of life. This study examined how social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with physical and mental health related quality of life among Korean Americans living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

A total of 365 CHB patients completed the enrollment survey. SF-12 was used to measure quality of life, calculating physical and mental components summary scores (PCS-12 and MCS-12). SDOH were measured across five domains, including education access, economic stability, social/community context, neighborhood, and health care access. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression were used.

Participants had a mean age of 60.1 years, and 44% were female. In multiple linear regression analyses, employment and financial stability were significantly associated with higher PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores. Social support and perceived neighborhood social cohesion were associated with better mental health, while marital status was associated with better physical health. In addition, females had lower levels of physical health than males. Older adults reported worse physical but better mental health.

Economic stability, social support, and neighborhood cohesion are the key determinants of quality of life among Korean Americans with CHB. These findings emphasize the need for interventions that address both structural and psychosocial factors to improve quality of life in this underserved population. Further research is warranted to explore the nuanced dynamics of different SDOH domains interact over time and to identify intervention targets in this underserved population.