Disparities in Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccination among Immigrant Populations in the United States: A Scoping Review of Systemic, Sociocultural, and Individual Determinants
Cindy Chinonyerem Iheanetu *
University of New Haven, Connecticut, United States.
Temiloluwa Evelyn Olatunbosun
University of New Haven, Connecticut, United States.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This scoping review aims to study the predictors of suboptimal Hepatitis B vaccination uptake among immigrant populations in the United States, examining systemic, sociocultural, and individual-level determinants. A secondary objective is to catalog promising intervention models and delineate remaining gaps in the evidence base.
Study Design: A Scoping Review.
Methodology: Employing a scoping review methodology, we queried PubMed, CINAHL, APA Psyc, Medline, and Google Scholar for literature published between January 2020 and November 2025. Study selection and data extraction were conducted using Zotero, with a thematic analysis focused on vaccination barriers and facilitators.
Results: From an initial pool of 63 studies, seven satisfied the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed a constellation of impediments, encompassing structural factors (e.g., inadequate insurance), sociocultural influences (e.g., linguistic challenges, distrust), and individual characteristics (e.g., parental education).
Conclusion: Disparities in HBV vaccination are profoundly shaped by factors of nativity, culturally-informed trust, and clinician-patient language concordance. The efficacy of culturally tailored programs is evident; however, their limited scope necessitates a renewed focus on macro-level, policy-driven strategies to engender trust and enhance vaccine penetration.
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, vaccination, birth dose, trends, disparities, immigrants, screening, treatment