Publication: Understanding, Acceptance, and Disclosure of Status Among Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Qualitative Analysis
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Date
2020
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
MedDocs Publishers
Abstract
Objective: Although the number of individuals contracted with hepatitis C virus infection is increasing, there is limited research locally on acceptance and disclosure of diagnosis among hepatitis C patient. This study aimed to explore views and experiences of patient following the diagnosis of hepatitis C infection at a tertiary centre in Kedah state, Malaysia.
Method: Twenty participants with hepatitis C infection participated in semi-structured, face to face interviews on their views and experience of a recent hepatitis C diagnosis. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated before data analysis. Content analysis was performed on the translated interview, followed by a systematic classification of data by major themes.
Results: Four main themes emerged (1) Understanding about hepatitis C infection, (2) First reaction to the diagnosis, (3) Accepting their diagnosis, and (4) Disclosing their disease status to others. Most participants had limited understanding of the disease due to the lack of information received. While some of them well accepted their diagnosis, many had expressed their unhappiness, distressed and regret following the diagnosis. Due to fear of negative response or stigma that follows with the diagnosis of hepatitis C, many participants were keeping the diagnosis to themselves. For those who had disclosed their hepatitis status to others, they experienced discrimination and rejection from family members and co-workers.
Conclusion: Study findings indicate that those with hepatitis C infection often had a misunderstanding about the disease, hiding the diagnosis from others and facing stigma in their family relationships and work environments.
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Keywords
Acceptance, Disclosure, Qualitative, Hepatitis C, Stigma, Malaysia