Experiences of stigma among hepatitis B and C patients in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan
EMHJ-Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 2014; 20 (12): 796-803
in English
| IMEMR
| ID: emr-159264
ABSTRACT
Hepatitis B and C are chronic diseases with mental and social impacts which can result in poor quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of stigma in a sample of hepatitis B- and C-positive patients in Pakistan. In a cross-sectional study, 140 inpatients and outpatients from 3 tertiary-care hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi answered a semi-structured questionnaire about stigma experienced from relatives, friends, spouse and health-care providers, and about work/financial problems. The majority of patients [75%] said they had had to change their lifestyle, and significantly more were males than females. Stigma was marked in terms of disease transmission, with 66% of patients fearing that they could transmit the infection to others; 19% said that family members avoided sharing towels, soap and eating and drinking utensils. Marital relationships were affected for 51% of married patients who had told their spouse. Patients' comments showed a sense of family and societal discrimination resulting in feelings of disappointment and isolation
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Index:
IMEMR (Eastern Mediterranean)
Main subject:
Cross-Sectional Studies
/
Surveys and Questionnaires
/
Hepatitis C
/
Hepatitis B
Type of study:
Prevalence study
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
East Mediterr Health J.
Year:
2014
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