Repercussions of chronic hepatitis C treatment
Introduction: Individuals living with hepatitis C experience a series of changes in their lives, caused by either the disease itself or its treatment or both. In this sense, living with a chronic disease such as hepatitis C implies that patients must change their lifestyles, which requires that the...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
2018-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Infection in Developing Countries |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jidc.org/index.php/journal/article/view/9578 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Individuals living with hepatitis C experience a series of changes in their lives, caused by either the disease itself or its treatment or both. In this sense, living with a chronic disease such as hepatitis C implies that patients must change their lifestyles, which requires that they rethink their habits in light of the new reality. To comprehend chronic hepatitis C patients’ perceptions, meanings, and quality-of-life effects. Methodology: Qualitative research; interviews with 12 patients at a specialized outpatient clinic from February to July 2012. The cohort size was determined by theoretical saturation and the interviews were analyzed by means of content analysis. Results: Data were organized into four categories: on medication, referenced fears, impact on sexuality, and coping with the new reality. The categorized data were discussed around the following themes: “Becoming sick” due to treatment and perceived aspects and Undergoing treatment and how to cope with it. Conclusion: Patients’ everyday lives and quality of life in general are affected especially by adverse side effects of hepatitis C medication and an assortment of feelings and uncertainties about the disease prognosis. Notwithstanding, most patients manage to find ways to cope with the treatment and complete it expecting a satisfactory outcome.
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| ISSN: | 1972-2680 |