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dc.contributor.authorGoutzamanis, S.
dc.contributor.authorDoyle, J.
dc.contributor.authorThompson, A.
dc.contributor.authorDietze, P.
dc.contributor.authorHellard, M.
dc.contributor.authorHiggs, Peter
dc.date.accessioned2018-05-18T07:57:54Z
dc.date.available2018-05-18T07:57:54Z
dc.date.created2018-05-18T00:22:50Z
dc.date.issued2018
dc.identifier.citationGoutzamanis, S. and Doyle, J. and Thompson, A. and Dietze, P. and Hellard, M. and Higgs, P. 2018. Experiences of liver health related uncertainty and self-reported stress among people who inject drugs living with hepatitis C virus: A qualitative study. BMC Infectious Diseases. 18 (1): Article ID 151.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/67293
dc.identifier.doi10.1186/s12879-018-3057-1
dc.description.abstract

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) are most at risk of hepatitis C virus infection in Australia. The introduction of transient elastography (TE) (measuring hepatitis fibrosis) and direct acting antiviral medications will likely alter the experience of living with hepatitis C. We aimed to explore positive and negative influences on wellbeing and stress among PWID with hepatitis C. Methods: The Treatment and Prevention (TAP) study examines the feasibility of treating hepatitis C mono-infected PWID in community settings. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 purposively recruited TAP participants. Participants were aware of their hepatitis C seropositive status and had received fibrosis assessment (measured by TE) prior to interview. Questions were open-ended, focusing on the impact of health status on wellbeing and self-reported stress. Interviews were voice recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed, guided by Mishel's (1988) theory of Uncertainty in Illness. Results: In line with Mishel's theory of Uncertainty in Illness all participants reported hepatitis C-related uncertainty, particularly mis-information or a lack of knowledge surrounding liver health and the meaning of TE results. Those with greater fibrosis experienced an extra layer of prognostic uncertainty. Experiences of uncertainty were a key motivation to seek treatment, which was seen as a way to regain some stability in life. Treatment completion alleviated hepatitis C-related stress, and promoted feelings of empowerment and confidence in addressing other life challenges. Conclusion: TE scores seemingly provide some certainty. However, when paired with limited knowledge, particularly among people with severe fibrosis, TE may be a source of uncertainty and increased personal stress. This suggests the need for simple education programs and resources on liver health to minimise stress.

dc.publisherBioMed Central
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.titleExperiences of liver health related uncertainty and self-reported stress among people who inject drugs living with hepatitis C virus: A qualitative study
dc.typeJournal Article
dcterms.source.volume18
dcterms.source.number1
dcterms.source.issn1471-2334
dcterms.source.titleBMC Infectious Diseases
curtin.departmentNational Drug Research Institute (NDRI)
curtin.accessStatusOpen access


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