Racial disparities in knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV)

Experiences of diagnosis, stigma, culpability and disclosure in male patients with hepatitis C virus: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

“…Feelings of fear, shock, anger and helplessness were identified in their excerpts. Strong negative reactions to diagnosis were reported and were also reflected within the wider literature (Hepworth and Krug, 1999;Suarez, 2010;Tompkins et al, 2005). These feelings are often explained in relation to redefining previous identities shaped over years through relationships with others (Hepworth and Krug, 1999) or a response to lack of knowledge provision (Suarez, 2010).…”

“…Strong negative reactions to diagnosis were reported and were also reflected within the wider literature (Hepworth and Krug, 1999;Suarez, 2010;Tompkins et al, 2005). These feelings are often explained in relation to redefining previous identities shaped over years through relationships with others (Hepworth and Krug, 1999) or a response to lack of knowledge provision (Suarez, 2010). A negative experience of receiving insufficient information and help from medical staff over years affected individuals' sense of control over HCV (Hill et al, 2015).…”

“…Moreover, their self-perception and the embodiment of stigma are facilitated by a lack of knowledge about the disease, modes of transmission and risks of HCV in various settings (Crofts et al, 1997;Lekas et al, 2011;Paterson et al, 2006). Therefore, raising awareness of HCV is not only important in enhancing people's ability to cope with the illness, but it can also determine a willingness to disclose their HCV status to others (Suarez, 2010).…”

Is disclosure a privilege? Race and disclosure patterns of hepatitis C

“…Many persons with hepatitis C are from socially and economically marginalized groups including people who inject drugs and racial and ethnic minorities. African Americans have the highest prevalence rates in the United States, higher rates of hepatocellular carcinoma, higher mortality rates, and lower levels of hepatitis C knowledge compared to Whites (Liu et al, 2014;Saab et al, 2014;Suarez, 2010). Scholars have begun to address stigma layering and how people with multiple stigmatized statuses, such as racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities, experience HIV and hepatitis C (Henkel et al, 2008;Lekas et al, 2011).…”

“…This pattern is important because disproportionate early mortality from the disease may be linked to stigma and reluctance to disclose one's status to health treatment providers and family and friends. Furthermore, qualitative research suggests African Americans have lower levels of knowledge about hepatitis C (Suarez, 2010). Efforts to understand these racial disparities may be crucial to limiting transmission, sharing of accurate information, access to treatment, and better health outcomes (Hopwood et al, 2010).…”