Utility of the Health Belief Model in predicting compliance of screening in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND Regular surveillance is recommended for patients with chronic hepatitis B, to select candidates for anti-viral therapy and detect early complications. However, factors that determine compliance are not well studied. AIM To determine the utility of the Health Belief Model in explaining non-compliance, among a group of chronic hepatitis B patients for screening. METHODS A total of 192 chronic hepatitis B patients who responded to advertisement for free screening took part in a telephonic interview study. Subjects were asked about the five constructs of the Health Belief Model, and factors associated with recent screening were analysed. RESULTS The mean age of the subjects was 42.1 +/- 0.7 years; 77% white male, and 97% Chinese. About 108 patients (56%) had recent screening. At multivariate analysis, only the ability to remember date of follow-up (OR: 4.37; 95% CI: 2.07-9.17) and the perception of having to wait a long time for venepuncture (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.19-0.79) were significantly associated with recent screening. CONCLUSION Future public health measures should include improving the logistics of follow-up procedures and providing reminders for screening to improve compliance.