Perceived physical health outcomes of direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C: a qualitative study.
Direct-acting antiviral
Hepatitis C
People who inject drugs
Qualitative research
Quality of life
Treatment experience
Journal
Harm reduction journal
ISSN: 1477-7517
Titre abrégé: Harm Reduct J
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101153624
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
15 07 2021
15 07 2021
Historique:
received:
11
10
2020
accepted:
16
06
2021
entrez:
16
7
2021
pubmed:
17
7
2021
medline:
26
11
2021
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Novel 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. Twenty 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. Two 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. Physical 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.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Novel 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.
METHODS
Twenty 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.
RESULTS
Two 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.
CONCLUSION
Physical 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.
Identifiants
pubmed: 34266434
doi: 10.1186/s12954-021-00516-1
pii: 10.1186/s12954-021-00516-1
pmc: PMC8281623
doi:
Substances chimiques
Antiviral Agents
0
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
73Informations de copyright
© 2021. The Author(s).
Références
Hepatol Med Policy. 2018 Aug 4;3:8
pubmed: 30288331
Int J Drug Policy. 2016 Dec;38:21-28
pubmed: 27842250
Liver Int. 2019 Jan;39(1):54-59
pubmed: 29893462
Psychol Health. 2015;30(8):987-1004
pubmed: 25622699
Int J Drug Policy. 2021 Jan;87:102983
pubmed: 33126166
BMC Infect Dis. 2014 Sep 18;14:507
pubmed: 25231646
J Clin Oncol. 2015 Jan 20;33(3):235-7
pubmed: 25512459
Br J Health Psychol. 2016 Feb;21(1):157-72
pubmed: 26250404
J Viral Hepat. 2019 Apr;26(4):432-453
pubmed: 30516874
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015 Mar;41(6):497-520
pubmed: 25616122
Gastroenterol Nurs. 2009 May-Jun;32(3):180-7
pubmed: 19506434
Med J Aust. 2020 May;212(8):365-370
pubmed: 32167586