Background In 2019, an estimated 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) globally with approximately 2.4 million living within the United States. Those living with HBV require years if not decades of regular monitoring to prevent liver complications from occurring. The aim of this study was to explore the working conceptual framework of health related quality of life (HRQL) for those living with chronic HBV through qualitative analysis. Methods Data were collected by in-depth telephone interviews conducted in 2019 using purposeful sampling as part of a disease understanding assessment on the HBV patient experience within the United States. A directed content analysis approach was utilized by creation of a codebook to guide the organization of data, codes were developed by review of the literature (a priori) and through line-by-line reading of a subsample of queries. All transcripts were analyzed by at least two members of the study team and intercoder reliability was assessed using Dedoose software. Findings A sample of 19 individuals living with chronic HBV were included within this study. Themes identified from transcripts noted the significant overlap between the reported experience of HBV and constructs within the HRQL model. The psychological impact of chronic HBV on study participants’ HRQL overall was considerable and contributed to depression, anxiety, homelessness, drug use, and incarceration. Conclusion Our analysis supports the hypothesis that HBV impacts HRQL and often negatively affects emotional health. Our findings suggest that it would be beneficial to include HRQL assessment in the medical management of HBV, so that interventions can focus on reducing the burden of disease and improving quality of life for those living with HBV.

Those living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) require years, if not decades, of regular monitoring to prevent liver complications from occurring. An estimated 292 million people were living with chronic HBV globally in 2018 with approximately 2.4 million of those residing within the United States (US). This study is one of the first of its kind that aims to explore the treatment preferences for those living with chronic HBV through qualitative interviews. Participant data were collected by in‐depth telephone interviews using a semi‐structured discussion guide. A codebook guided the organization of data, and codes were developed by review of the literature (a priori) and through line‐by‐line reading of a subsample of queries. All data transcripts (N = 19) were independently double coded. Overarching themes identified from the data specific to the treatment modalities and implications of a functional HBV cure included the concern about side effects, treatment modality, frequency, duration, cost‐effectiveness and overall impact on their lives. Qualitative data analysis revealed the significant impact that an HBV functional cure would have on quality of life. Benefits of a cure were described as not having a finite course of treatment, improving overall vitality, and reducing the fear and anxiety associated with lifelong infection and potential development of liver cancer. Many individuals expressed the desire for a cure for HBV, stating it would be life‐changing, and a ‘miracle’. As new therapies are in development, more research should examine in detail the treatment preferences of those living with HBV.

No abstract

No abstract