Mental and physical symptoms associated with lower social support for patients with hepatitis C

Abstract

by others (19%). Nearly one fifth of the patients did not share information about their disease with others to avoid being stigmatized. Lower levels of social support were significantly associated with living alone, being unemployed, being excluded from antiviral therapy, having psychiatric comorbidities, contracting HCV through intravenous drug use, having high levels of anxiety and depression as measured by the HAD and negative mood state as measured by the SIP. Patients reporting lower levels of social support also noted more physical symptoms as measured by the SIP. CONCLUSION:Patients with hepatitis C often face significant social problems, ranging from social isolation to familial stress. The most common concerns reflect a limited insight of patients and their relatives and friends about the disease, the risk factors for its spread, and about potential consequences. Our data suggest that educational interventions targeting support persons and the stressors identified in our findings may lessen or alleviate the social strains patients with hepatitis C experience. INTRODUCTIONHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a common and slowly progressing liver disease, negatively affects quality of life. Most studies addressing the important impact of HCV focus on patients undergoing antiviral therapy [1][2][3][4][5][6] . However, even HCV-infected individuals outside of treatment have lower quality of life scores compared to uninfected controls [7][8][9] . Negative social interactions may play a unique role as a determinant of quality of life in patients with HCV, as they often face stigmatization in their professional and private environment [10][11][12] . Patients living with AIDS and stigmatizing diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy Abstract AIM: To systematically examine the impact of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis on patients' level of social support in a large-scale study. METHODS:Patients evaluated and treated for HCV in a tertiary referral center were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Demographic data, functional and emotional status as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), severity of liver disease, mode of acquisition, and physical and psychiatric comorbidities were collected from patients or abstracted from the medical record. All participants completed a semi-structured interview, addressing questions of social support. RESULTS:A total of 342 patients (mean age 45.2 years; 37% women) were enrolled. Ninety-two (27%) patients described lower levels of support by family and friends. Nearly half of the participants (45%) noted the loss of at least one relationship due to the disease. Fears related to transmitting the disease (25%) were common and often associated with ignorance or even discrimination

The Multidimensional Burden of Hepatitis C and Its Treatment

“…Research has demonstrated that interpersonal relationships can be strained when individuals undergo antiviral therapy . Similar to what was found by Blasiole et al (2006), the increased anger and irritability the participant experienced during antiviral therapy had put a strain on his relationship with his spouse and friends. At times during the treatment, he isolated himself from family and friends.…”

A Systematic Review of Provider Knowledge of Hepatitis C: Is it Enough for a Complex Disease?

“…Despite repeated educational campaigns by the NIH and other groups, up to one-fifth of healthcare providers voiced concerns about transmission of the disease through casual contacts, vertical transmission, or sharing of dishes [14,19]. Advice based on such incorrect information could further the erosion of social support if patients, who may already be shunned by family, friends, or coworkers, consider themselves a health hazard and choose to isolate themselves from others [46].…”

Psychological Biomarkers and Fibrosis: An Innovative Approach to Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

“…The influence of perceived social support on these variables has not been approached. However, in chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C, satisfactory support implies improved patient progress and recovery (9,10) and a decrease in the frequency and intensity of depressive symptoms (11).…”