title: Experiences of stigma among hepatitis B and C patients in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan.
abstract: Hepatitis B and C are chronic diseases with mental and social impacts which can result in poor quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of stigma in a sample of hepatitis B- and C-positive patients in Pakistan. In a cross-sectional study, 140 inpatients and outpatients from 3 tertiary-care hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi answered a semi-structured questionnaire about stigma experienced from relatives, friends, spouse and health-care providers, and about work/financial problems. The majority of patients (75%) said they had had to change their lifestyle, and significantly more were males than females. Stigma was marked in terms of disease transmission, with 66% of patients fearing that they could transmit the infection to others; 19% said that family members avoided sharing towels, soap and eating and drinking utensils. Marital relationships were affected for 51% of married patients who had told their spouse. Patients' comments showed a sense of family and societal discrimination resulting in feelings of disappointment and isolation.
authors: Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Rafique
authors: Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors: M A N
authors: MA
authors: Saqib
authors: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Siddiqui
authors: Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Munir
authors: Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Qureshi
authors: Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Javed
authors: Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Naz
authors: Liver Clinic, Federal Government Services Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors: I Z
authors: IZ
authors: Tirmazi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000523:psychology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan; D036301:Qualitative Research; D057545:Social Stigma; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult