Facultyof Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4006, Australia.
Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia.
J Community Health. 2020 Feb;45(1):201-218. doi: 10.1007/s10900-019-00699-6.
Viral hepatitis is a significant global health concern, particularly within low-middle income countries. Diseases historically affecting low-middle income countries, such as viral hepatitis, have become increasingly prevalent within high-income countries due to globalisation and mass international migration. High prevalence of viral hepatitis in migrant populations is of particular concern due to the associated morbidity and mortality, as well as the increased risk of vertical and horizontal transmission in the community. This is compounded by the asymptomatic nature of hepatitis, meaning many of those affected are unaware of their infection status. Long-term effects of viral hepatitis can include liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. Therefore, the health needs of vulnerable migrants within high-income countries due to issues associated with viral hepatitis require attention. This includes assessment of measures such as targeted health education, increased screening, linkage to appropriate treatment and follow-up care. Additionally, it is necessary to address migrant healthcare barriers, such as language, economic and social barriers. It is imperative that vulnerable migrant groups gain appropriate access to health services to prevent disease transmission and the widening of health-related disparities within high-income countries.
病毒性肝炎是一个全球性的重大健康问题，在中低收入国家尤为突出。由于全球化和大规模国际移民，历史上影响中低收入国家的疾病，如病毒性肝炎，在高收入国家变得越来越普遍。由于相关的发病率和死亡率，以及社区中垂直和水平传播的风险增加，移民人群中病毒性肝炎的高患病率令人尤为担忧。此外，由于肝炎的无症状性质，许多感染者都不知道自己的感染状况，这使得情况更加复杂。病毒性肝炎的长期影响包括肝硬化、肝癌和肝功能衰竭。因此，高收入国家中由于病毒性肝炎相关问题而处于弱势地位的移民的健康需求需要得到关注。这包括评估有针对性的健康教育、增加筛查、与适当治疗和随访护理的联系等措施。此外，还需要解决移民的医疗保健障碍，如语言、经济和社会障碍。至关重要的是，弱势群体移民需要获得适当的医疗服务，以防止疾病传播，并缩小高收入国家内部的健康相关差距。
