The Process of Social Interactions in Patients With Hepatitis B Infection: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Background: The hepatitis B virus infection is a major cause of liver diseases in the world. It mostly affects psychological and social aspects as well as the mental health of patients. The aim of this study was to explain the process of social interactions in patients with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. Methods: The present study was conducted using the grounded theory method from 2014 to 2016 in the Amol, Babol, and Tabriz health and counseling centers. The data was collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and field notes in order to answer this question: "How does the process of social interaction occur in HBV carriers?" The participants included 18 HBV carriers, 2 spouses of the HBV carries and 2 physicians. Data analysis was conducted using Corbin and Strauss (2008). Results: According to the data analysis, "maintenance of normal social interactions" after diagnosis of the disease is a major concern of the carriers. In order to resolve this concern, they employed some strategies, including disease concealment, protecting themselves and others, and reconciliation with the disease. Conclusion: Following the diagnosis of hepatitis B infection, maintaining normal social interactions is considered as one of the major anxieties of the carriers. Health care teams could help them with their social interactions using the findings.

Challenges and ways of coping of parturient women with chronic hepatitis B in Ghana during COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative inquiry

“…In Malaysia and Cameroon, studies revealed that patients reacted with shock when unexpectedly diagnosed with hepatitis B 11 18. These reactions were due to an unexpected HBV diagnosis 12. A similar study in Ghana reported that individuals were astonished to identify that they had hepatitis B 10.…”

“… 11 18 These reactions were due to an unexpected HBV diagnosis. 12 A similar study in Ghana reported that individuals were astonished to identify that they had hepatitis B. 10 In relation to pregnancy, studies highlighted that pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B infection had higher levels of anxiety and stress than healthy pregnant women.…”

“…A study indicated that the diagnosis and disclosure of hepatitis B have a major impact on sexual relationships due to stigma, making it difficult for participants to disclose it 5. On the other hand, a study showed that hepatitis B is viewed as a family disease; hence members with the infection received more acceptance from family members,22 but the majority of studies revealed that patients face negative societal attitudes and prejudices from healthcare personnel’s 8 12 14 19 23 24. Other evidence indicates that avoidance was used as a method of stigmatising chronic hepatitis B patients.…”

“…According to Chirk et al , people with were emotionally affected following diagnosis due to their lack of readiness for the screening outcome 9. Other scholars also report that HBV diagnosis is characterised by shock, surprise, fear and worry at the time of diagnosis 4 10–12. Some studies give credence to the assertion that living with chronic hepatitis B is associated with negative psychosocial experiences, ranging from psychological instability to feelings of fear and passivity and a great deal stigma-related problems 13–15.…”

“…Some studies give credence to the assertion that living with chronic hepatitis B is associated with negative psychosocial experiences, ranging from psychological instability to feelings of fear and passivity and a great deal stigma-related problems 13–15. These feelings are more intense in the days following diagnosis due to the simple lack of knowledge and awareness among patients and general population 8 12 16 17…”