How hepatitis C patients manage the treatment process of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy: a qualitative study

作者：Tsai Shu Mei; Kao Jung Ta; Tsai Yun Fang^*

来源：BMC Health Services Research, 2016, 16(1): 247.

DOI：10.1186/s12913-016-1503-6

• Antiviral treatment
• Employing strategies
• Hepatitis C experience

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health issue. Adequate treatment for hepatitis C patients is important, but anticipated side effects make patients fearful of receiving treatment. Little is known about the experiences of hepatitis C patients who have completed treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of hepatitis C patients who had undergone therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin and gain an understanding of what factors contributed to completion of treatment.
Method: This was a qualitative study with 21 adult hepatitis C patients purposively sampled from outpatient liver clinics of a medical university hospital in Taichung City, Taiwan. Participants had completed 6-12 months of therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, in-depth interviews conducted in the participants' homes from June-October 2013. Data were analysed using conventional content analysis.
Results: Data analysis revealed three themes that described the strategies employed to alleviate and ease symptoms and manage the processes involved: restructuring their lifestyle, adopting a positive attitude, and seeking support.
Conclusion: Hepatitis C patients face many challenges during treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. These findings provide knowledge that can be used in designing effective programs to help other Hepatitis C patients manage the side effects of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy, complete treatment and improve quality of life.

• 出版日期2016-7-11
• 单位中国医科大学; 长春大学