title: How hepatitis C patients manage the treatment process of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy: a qualitative study.
abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health issue. Adequate treatment for hepatitis C patients is important, but anticipated side effects make patients fearful of receiving treatment. Little is known about the experiences of hepatitis C patients who have completed treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of hepatitis C patients who had undergone therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin and gain an understanding of what factors contributed to completion of treatment.
  
  
  
  This was a qualitative study with 21 adult hepatitis C patients purposively sampled from outpatient liver clinics of a medical university hospital in Taichung City, Taiwan. Participants had completed 6-12 months of therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, in-depth interviews conducted in the participants' homes from June-October 2013. Data were analysed using conventional content analysis.
  
  
  
  Data analysis revealed three themes that described the strategies employed to alleviate and ease symptoms and manage the processes involved: restructuring their lifestyle, adopting a positive attitude, and seeking support.
  
  
  
  Hepatitis C patients face many challenges during treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. These findings provide knowledge that can be used in designing effective programs to help other Hepatitis C patients manage the side effects of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy, complete treatment and improve quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259, Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Tao-Yuan, 333, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Shu-Mei
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University; Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, 2, Yuh-Der Road, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Jung-Ta
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Kao
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology; Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, 259, Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Tao-Yuan, 333, Taiwan. yftsai@mail.cgu.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Yun-Fang
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Tsai
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011306:Prescription Fees; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013624:Taiwan
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a
keywords: Antiviral treatment; Employing strategies; Hepatitis C experience