title: Hepatitis C: a medical and social diagnosis.
abstract: Hepatitis C has reached epidemic proportions in Australia. Because of its association with injecting drug use, which is a main transmission mode, hepatitis C is a highly stigmatising health condition. In fact, the stigma attached to hepatitis C means hepatitis C is not just a medical diagnosis, but also a social diagnosis. The limited available research indicates hepatitis C-related discrimination is most likely to occur in health care settings. A strategic and evidenced-based approach is required to combat the social impact of hepatitis C.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Department, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
authors.forename: Jacqui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Richmond
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dunning
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Desmond
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D011287:Prejudice; D012940:Social Problems