Perceived physical health outcomes of direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C: a qualitative study

Harm Reduction Journal

Joseph S. Doyle¹  Peter Higgs²  Stelliana Goutzamanis³  Danielle Horyniak⁴  Margaret Hellard⁵ 

[1] Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, 85 Commercial Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Plenty Rd and Kingsbury Dr, 3086, Bundoora, VIC, Australia;Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;Behaviour and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, 85 Commercial Rd, 3004, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;

关键词: Hepatitis C;    Qualitative research;    Direct-acting antiviral;    Treatment experience;    People who inject drugs;    Quality of life;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12954-021-00516-1

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundNovel health promotion and treatment uptake initiatives will be necessary to ensure Australia meets 2030 hepatitis C elimination targets. Increasing treatment uptake will be assisted by a better understanding of the treatment experience and patient-perceived benefits. This study describes the perceived physical health benefits from direct-acting antiviral (DAA) hepatitis C treatment among people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia.MethodsTwenty participants were recruited from a community treatment trial and community health clinics. Semi-structured interviews were performed with each participant before, during and following treatment. Interviews focused on treatment experiences, attitudes and motivations. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.ResultsTwo themes relating to the physical experience of treatment developed; intersection between physical and mental health and “maybe it’s working”. Participants reported various physical benefits, most prominently, reduced fatigue. Reductions in fatigue resulted in instant and meaningful changes in everyday life. Some participants did experience side effects, which they described as mild. Experiencing noticeable physical benefits during treatment was perceived as validation that treatment was working.ConclusionPhysical health benefits of DAA treatment may have carry-on effects on cognitive, emotional or social wellbeing and should be incorporated into how treatment is promoted to those who require it.

【 授权许可】

CC BY