Factor Analysis of Social Support for Hepatitis-C Patients in Punjab

Abstract

This exploratory study aimed to highlight the significance of social support for hepatic patients to cope with their ailments. For this purpose, the study developed and tested social support model for hepatitis C patients. The researchers used quantitative research design to conduct this study. A cross sectional survey was conducted in five district headquarters hospitals of the Punjab. Total 500 hepatic patients were interviewed in the hospitals. The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that there were three constructs of social support namely; need for social support, available social support and instrumental social support. According to the results, hepatic patients felt that they need social support in order to cope with outcomes of this disease. The study suggested that socio-emotional care must be considered while treating hepatitis-C patients. Such care helped them to cope with the challenges faced by them during the treatment of this disease.