THE EXTENT OF PREVAILING STIGMA AMONG HEPATITIS C PATIENTS IN PESHAWAR KHYBER PUKHTUNKHWA PAKISTAN

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study was conducted with the sole aim to assess the prevalence of stigma in patients with Hepatitis C and to assess the association between them through the quantitative measure, i.e. chi-square test. Methodology: A cross-sectional-based study was designed from 361 sampled respondents (Hepatitis C patients) in 3 teaching hospitals in Peshawar-Pakistan. Data was collected on a three-level Likert Scale interview schedule covering both the study variables. A conceptual framework comprised of the dependent variable health-related quality of life among HCV patients was cross-tabulated and indexed with the independent variable social stigma disease carry through the application of chi-square test statistics. Principal Findings: The association of Health-Related Quality of Life was found significant with perceiving shaking hands with HCV patients as a cause of the disease (P=0.018), people hesitate in embracing HCV patients (P=0.000), people were uncomfortable while sitting beside HCV patients (P=0.001), family members are reluctant in carrying out HCV test for other family members (P=0.028), patients were given due attention at family (0.007), patients shared their problem with others without any fear (P=0.014), patients telling people about their disease (P=0.000), patients blamed themselves for disease (p=0.009) and patients participated in social activities (P=0.000). Applications of this study: Raising awareness, through reliable sources, among masses, especially with relation to symptoms and causes of HCV, to reduce the reluctance of people in contacting HCV patients and training families of HCV patients to adopt the allowable social interaction with HCV patients were some of the recommendations in light of the study. Novelty/Originality of this study: This cross-sectional study is designed to assess the prevalence of stigma in patients with Hepatitis C and to assess the association between them through the quantitative measure, i.e. chi-square test. This research has come under the domain of medical sociology, social psychology, along with diagnosing the hidden dilemma, which exists since its existence.