Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to provide recommendations for reducing the impact of hepatitis B infection on patients with chronic hepatitis B by describing their experiences during the diagnosis process.MethodsWe conducted face-to-face interviews with 50 hepatitis B patients recruited by convenient sampling from an infectious diseases department of a teaching hospital in Chongqing, China from July to August 2019. Thematic analysis framework included interviewees’ social demographic characteristics, diagnosis approach, signs and symptoms before diagnosis, feelings after diagnosis, and doctor’s instructions.ResultsMost patients first detected hepatitis B through various types of physical examinations when the patients were asymptomatic or had only mild symptoms. Most patients were shocked, scared, or overwhelmed when they were diagnosed with hepatitis B. They were able to remember the doctor’s instructions about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but not impressed by the doctor’s advice about regular follow-up liver function tests. The lack of regular follow-up has caused irreversible damage to some patients.ConclusionsMost patients are passively diagnosed with hepatitis B due to their lack of awareness on active hepatitis B prevention. Patients need professional mental health care to overcome the negative emotions that following the diagnosis. Physicians’ instruction should emphasize the importance of regular follow-up liver function tests in addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to provide recommendations for reducing the impact of hepatitis B infection on patients with chronic hepatitis B by describing their experiences during the diagnosis process
An estimated 350 million persons are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide, resulting in 600,000 deaths annually from the complicating diseases
We reported findings from a qualitative study with hepatitis B patients to describe their experiences on hepatitis B test, symptoms and signs before diagnosis, feeling when being diagnosed and the doctor’s advice
Summary
The aim of this study was to provide recommendations for reducing the impact of hepatitis B infection on patients with chronic hepatitis B by describing their experiences during the diagnosis process. An estimated 350 million persons are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide, resulting in 600,000 deaths annually from the complicating diseases. Given the high prevalence of hepatitis B in China, both the diagnosis and treatment rate are relatively low [14, 15]. According to the data from National Disease Supervision Information Management System of China, the reported mean incidence of hepatitis B was 84.3 per 100,000 people between 2005 and 2010 [16]. It is reported that only 58.2% of hepatitis B patients had been received antiviral medications in 2011 [17]. Early detection, professional treatment, and regular follow-up are especially important to achieve positive prognoses for the patients
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