psychological experiences reported in regarding hepatitis C and use of interferon: A clinical-qualitative study in a Brazilian university outpatient service considering its possible side effects

Abstract

Relevant emotional and behavioural reactions are associated with diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C that can impair adherence to medical management. Hepatitis C accounts for significant number of both – liver transplants and deaths. Treatment has as major component the interferon alpha, and many of patients can experience side effects that often lead to non-adherence to drug treatment and dose modification.

Objective

To discuss psychological meanings attributed to IFN alpha treatment's side effects and its symbolic relation with adherence or not to treatment, on viewpoint of interviewed outpatients at a Hepatitis Service.

Method

Data collection was conducted using the Clinical-Qualitative Method, utilizing semi-directed interviews with open-ended questions in depth, fully transcribed. Qualitative Content Analysis employed for processing data, emerging meaning cores, with categorization into discussion topics. Sample closed by information saturation.

Results

Nine interviews. The analysis revealed:

– coping attitude - handling the disease to have willpower; a moral feeling regarding the need to overcome the disease and treatment side effects to demonstrate “strength”, as well as to deny psychologically the occurrence of side effects;

– disruptive attitude: reports of anxiety regarding to patients presenting neuropsychiatric symptoms by medication;

– realistic attitude: speeches show perception of natural evolution and treatment real function.

Conclusion

Guilt feelings emerged regarding to difficulties of being loyal to treatment, a strongly valorative speech on being ill what must lead to “overcome the evils of life”. Health teams must understand these meanings to talk openly about human feelings on illness and treatment, promoting an adequate adherence.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.