Racial differences in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A large single-institution experience

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Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) disproportionately affects minorities with higher age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates in Hispanics (H) and blacks (B) versus non-Hispanic whites (C). While H have the fastest rising rates of HCC of all ethnic groups per SEER analysis, little is known about race specific risk factors and disease characteristics. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed HCC patients (pts) treated at University of Illinois-Chicago between 1998 and 2005. Demographics, disease characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival were analyzed with descriptive statistics and chi-square p values. Results: Mean age of HCC pts (N=195) at diagnosis was 59.7 years + 9.8 (19.5% female; 22% aged 65 or older; 61.5% Medicare or Medicaid; 4.1% without insurance; 22.6% H; 31.2% B). Compared to C and B, H pts were more likely to have ascites and NASH and less likely to have ever smoked or have hepatitis C. Compared to B, H pts were more likely to have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and encephalopathy (HE). Compared to C, B pts had lower MELD scores. Conclusions: In our patient population, Hispanic patients were significantly more likely to have diabetes and NASH, and lower frequency of tobacco use, HCV, and elevated AFP levels at diagnosis. [Table: see text]

Smoking prevalence and factors associated with smoking status among Vietnamese in California

INTRODUCTION

Vietnamese American men have smoking prevalence rates higher than the general population. We analyzed Vietnamese American smoking behavior by demographic and health-related factors, including some specific to Vietnamese, in the largest tobacco-specific survey yet targeting the Vietnamese population.

METHODS

Using a statewide surname probability sample and computer-assisted telephone interviewing, we surveyed 1,101 Vietnamese men and 1,078 Vietnamese women in California (63.5% participation among successfully contacted eligible individuals) in 2007-2008. We conducted multivariate regression models to analyze the association between Vietnamese male smoking status and demographic and health-related factors.

RESULTS

Among women, <1% were current smokers and <2% were former smokers. Among men, 25% were current and 24% were former smokers. Regression models for Vietnamese men delineated factors associated with both current and former smoking (vs. never smoking): being married, being employed, having lower educational attainment, and consuming alcohol. Other factors associated with current smoking (vs. never smoking) were having no health insurance, having seen a Vietnamese doctor or no doctor visit in the past year, having Vietnamese military or Vietnamese reeducation camp experience, having less knowledge about the harms of smoking, and reporting higher depression symptoms. Increasing age and not being Buddhist were associated with former (vs. never) smoking.

DISCUSSION

Smoking patterns of Vietnamese women and Vietnamese men are significantly different from the general California population. Tobacco control efforts targeting Vietnamese men should include community outreach since current smokers have low health care access, utilization, and knowledge.

Subject Recruitment for Cancer Control Studies in an Adverse Environment

Subject recruitment in an adverse environment prompted researchers to identify a novel method to gain a different perspective on the problem. Lewin's Model of Change was used in a post hoc examination of recruitment strategies from 5 cancer control studies of breast or prostate cancer. Based on this evaluation, driving and restraining forces in recruitment were identified. Lessons learned and recommendations are discussed based on this evaluation. Five categories of restrainers were identified from this evaluation and include sociocultural, institutional, individuals, budget, and study design. Conversely, only 3 categories of drivers were elucidated by the examination: sociocultural, institutional, and individuals. Lessons and recommendations ranged from addressing institutional barriers to capitalizing on public relations. Researchers entering a new environment for recruitment would benefit from using Lewin's force field analysis before writing a proposal or implementing a project. This approach better directs energy and resources and enhances the ability of the investigator to maintain a broad, less biased perspective.