The impact of a hepatitis B diagnosis

Abstract

Hepatitis B significantly impacts a person's quality of life, starting at diagnosis. This includes their physical health, such as an increased risk of liver cancer, as well as their mental and emotional wellbeing, contributing to depression, anxiety and self-isolation, exacerbated by stigma and discrimination. Goals have been set to eliminate hepatitis B. To reach these goals, it is essential that people living with hepatitis B are actively involved in their treatment and management through shared decision-making. This will require further research into its effects on individuals who are directly affected. Moving towards elimination means expanding testing to identify those infected, as well as ensuring that protections are in place to support people living with hepatitis B and minimise stigma and discrimination.