Repercussions of chronic hepatitis C treatment.
J Infect Dev Ctries
; 12(3): 183-189, 2018 Mar 31.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31829994
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.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Qualitative_research
Aspects:
Patient_preference
Language:
En
Journal:
J Infect Dev Ctries
Journal subject:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Year:
2018
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Country of publication:
Italy