Psychosocial Issues in Hepatitis C: A Qualitative Analysis

BackgroundDespite 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.ObjectiveThe authors used a qualitative approach to investigate the nature of psychosocial issues in HCV.MethodFocus groups were conducted with HCV patients.ResultsParticipants 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.ConclusionResults have important implications for clinical providers and suggest pathways by which HCV-related psychosocial factors may interact with and affect quality of life.