Social challenges experienced by Hepatitis B patients: A mixed method study

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B has a wide range of effects on patients’ lives due to its chronic nature. Living with Hepatitis B has been associated with various social challenges such as stigma, disclosure, and discrimination. AIM: To assess the social challenges experienced by Hepatitis B–positive patients seeking treatment at a super specialty liver hospital of the country. METHODS AND RESULTS: A mixed-method research design was used to explore various social challenges experienced by Hepatitis B–positive patients. Descriptive research design was used in the first phase and thematic analysis was done in the second phase of the study. Data were collected using a modified Hepatitis B stigma assessment tool and semi-structured interview guide. Total 180 Hepatitis B–positive patients were recruited for the first phase. Face to face interviews were recorded for the 9 patients facing high stigma in the second phase of the study. Mean age of the patients was 45 ± 13.1 years and 80% of the patients were male. Mean overall stigma score was found to be 74.34 ± 10.13. Of all, 5.1% patients experienced high stigma, 2.1% moderate stigma, and 92% patients experienced low stigma. Thematic analysis method uncovered various attributing factors to social challenges broadly classified into reaction on getting diagnosed with Hepatitis B, psychological issues, stigmatization in families, stigmatization at workplace, and stigmatization in healthcare settings. CONCLUSION: Patients with Hepatitis B experience social challenges in aspect of lack of awareness, psychological issues, and stigmatization by healthcare providers, family members, and by the colleagues at their workplace. A better understanding and awareness regarding Hepatitis B is needed to eliminate stigma and discrimination among these patients. Hence, a holistic approach is must to treat patients with Hepatitis B.