Experiences of hepatitis C treatment and its management: What some patients and health professionals say

A qualitative study of both hepatitis C treatment experiences and the management of hepatitis C treatment, using in-depth semi-structured interviews, was conducted in Sydney, Australia, during 2004 and 2005. The study aimed to uncover some of the strategies that people in treatment deployed to cope with the side effects associated with treatment. A purposive sampling frame was used to recruit participants to the study. A total of 20 people who either were receiving treatment or had completed treatment within the six months prior to interview were recruited. Six health professionals who managed treatment regimens were also interviewed. Treatment and its side effects were explored from the perspectives of both patients and clinic staff. The impact of treatment on personal relationships, work, socialising, physical and emotional health and wellbeing, sense of self and future outlook were investigated. Thematic content analysis highlighted key issues reported by patients and health professionals regarding treatment experiences and approaches to treatment management