Gillian Grundy1, Nicholas Beeching. 1. Academic Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool. gill.grundy@aht.nwest.nhs.uk
Abstract
AIM: The aim of this research is to gain a more complete understanding of the impact of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) on women. METHOD: This research used qualitative methods. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight HCV-positive women. The interviews explored counselling and testing, social stigma, treatment options, transmission and gender roles, and the influence of reductionism on the experience of HCV-positive women attending services. FINDINGS: All the women experienced significant difficulties coming to terms with the diagnosis. Many had worries about transmission and stigma--these worries affected their relationships, including those with sexual partners, family members and children. Most of the women had mixed feelings about knowing their diagnosis and varying levels of satisfaction with treatments and services provided. CONCLUSION: Women appear to have individual anxieties related to the transmission of HCV and their ability to carry out their social roles. They were particularly concerned about social stigma, sexual transmission, pregnancy and childcare. These worries affected their close relationships and resulted in concerns about their ability to fulfil expected gender roles.
AIM: The aim of this research is to gain a more complete understanding of the impact of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) on women. METHOD: This research used qualitative methods. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight HCV-positive women. The interviews explored counselling and testing, social stigma, treatment options, transmission and gender roles, and the influence of reductionism on the experience of HCV-positive women attending services. FINDINGS: All the women experienced significant difficulties coming to terms with the diagnosis. Many had worries about transmission and stigma--these worries affected their relationships, including those with sexual partners, family members and children. Most of the women had mixed feelings about knowing their diagnosis and varying levels of satisfaction with treatments and services provided. CONCLUSION:Women appear to have individual anxieties related to the transmission of HCV and their ability to carry out their social roles. They were particularly concerned about social stigma, sexual transmission, pregnancy and childcare. These worries affected their close relationships and resulted in concerns about their ability to fulfil expected gender roles.
Authors: Kathleen B Schwarz; Regino P Gonzalez-Peralta; Karen F Murray; Jean P Molleston; Barbara A Haber; Maureen M Jonas; Philip Rosenthal; Parvathi Mohan; William F Balistreri; Michael R Narkewicz; Lesley Smith; Steven J Lobritto; Stephen Rossi; Alexandra Valsamakis; Zachary Goodman; Patricia R Robuck; Bruce A Barton Journal: Gastroenterology Date: 2010-10-28 Impact factor: 22.682
Authors: Julie A Blasiole; Laura Shinkunas; Douglas R Labrecque; Robert M Arnold; Susan L Zickmund Journal: World J Gastroenterol Date: 2006-08-07 Impact factor: 5.742