Hepatitis B and C Within the Chinese Community in Milan

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Within the Chinese Community Residing in Milan

The goal of this observational study is to assess the effectiveness of targeted screening for Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections in adults aged 18 to 50 from the Chinese community residing in Milan.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does community-based, culturally sensitive screening increase the detection of undiagnosed HBV and HCV infections in this high-risk population?
• What is the level of adherence, satisfaction and awareness regarding rapid testing methods in this community?

Participants will:

• Receive pre-test counseling in Italian or Chinese with the help of an interpreter
• Complete a brief, anonymous questionnaire on demographics, risk factors and awareness of HBV/HCV
• Undergo capillary rapid testing for HBV and/or HCV
• Receive test results during the same visit
• Complete a short post-test satisfaction questionnaire

The study will be conducted in public spaces within Milan's Chinatown, during monthly sessions, until 1,000 participants are enrolled. Each session will last approximately 30-60 minutes per participant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 to 50 years
• Self-identified as part of the Chinese community residing in Milan
• Willing and able to provide informed consent
• Willing to undergo HBV and/or HCV rapid screening (capillary blood test)
• Able to complete an anonymous questionnaire on demographics, risk factors and awareness of HBV and HCV infections
• Able to communicate in Italian or Chinese (with interpreter assistance, if needed)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age under 18 or over 50 years
• Not from the Chinese community or not residing in Milan
• Unable to provide informed consent
• Currently undergoing treatment for HBV or HCV, or with previously confirmed diagnosis of HBV or HCV
• Severe mental or physical illness impairing participation or understanding of consent
• Unable to respond to the questionnaire, even with interpreter assistance
• Pregnant women