The complexity of living with hepatitis C: a Newman perspective.

Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness was used to explore the patterns and their meaning for people living with chronic hepatitis C. A hermeneutic dialectic method was used to engage nine participants who had been diagnosed with hepatitis C. Patterns and themes were identified and included struggling to overcome, transcending the illness, and wanting to give back. Despite their struggles, all participants moved on to a higher level of consciousness through transformative changes in their lives.