Source
Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care (151H), Hines VA Hospital, P.O. Box 5000, Hines, IL 60141, USA. Elizabeth.Janke@va.gov
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Despite demonstrated prevalence of psychosocial problems among hepatitis C (HCV) patients, little is known about how these problems develop, why they are sustained, and how clinical providers can effectively intervene.
OBJECTIVE:
The authors used a qualitative approach to investigate the nature of psychosocial issues in HCV.
METHOD:
Focus groups were conducted with HCV patients.
RESULTS:
Participants discussed significant feelings of anger, depression, and stigma associated with the diagnosis and noted that these feelings/experiences isolated them from potential sources of social support.
CONCLUSION:
Results have important implications for clinical providers and suggest pathways by which HCV-related psychosocial factors may interact with and affect quality of life.