Feasibility on Point-of-Care Testing and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Satisfaction of Patients on Chronic Hepatitis B in Primary Healthcare: A Pilot Study in Hong Kong

Background Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a significant public health challenge in Hong Kong, with an estimated prevalence of 5.6%. Despite effective antiviral therapy, screening uptake remains suboptimal. This study evaluated the feasibility of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) point-of-care (POC) testing in primary healthcare setting and assessed participants’ knowledge, attitudes, stigma and satisfaction. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and May 2025 at the Central and Western District Health Centre Express, a government-initiated primary healthcare facility in Hong Kong. A total of 109 adults received HBsAg POC testing using the Abbott Determine™ HBsAg 2 rapid test kit and completed a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, CHB knowledge, perceived stigma, screening facilitators and barriers, and satisfaction. Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of knowledge and stigma. Results Participants demonstrated generally good CHB knowledge about CHB (mean score = 11.7 / 16), yet gaps remained in understanding transmission and incurability. Higher knowledge was associated with being born in Hong Kong and knowing someone with CHB. Males had lower knowledge in disease management. Perceived stigma was low overall (mean score = 0.57 / 5). Being married, employed, or living with others were protective factors, whereas having health insurance was linked to higher stigma. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the POC testing process, particularly its convenience and immediacy of results. All participatns were willing to be tested if recommended by doctors, yet only 7.3% reported prior discussion about HBV testing with their physicians. Conclusions Overall knowledge on chronic hepatitis B is satisfactory with some groups having a higher disease knowledge. Misconceptions about transmission and curability remain. HBsAg POC testing was feasible and highly acceptable in primary healthcare setting in Hong Kong. Findings highlight the importance of empowering family doctors to initiate screening discussions and addressing specific knowledge gaps through targeted education. These strategies could improve screening uptake and support Hong Kong’s progress toward CHB elimination goals.