Experiences and Perceptions of Patients Living With Hepatitis C in Karachi, Pakistan

Purpose: Hepatitis C (HCV) is a chronic disease that affects an individual's physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being throughout the illness. Although extensive literature is available on experiences of patients with hepatitis C in developed countries, very little exists in developing countries, particularly in Pakistan. This article describes experiences of patients living with HCV in Karachi, Pakistan. Method: Using descriptive exploratory design, data were collected through semistructured interviews from 10 patients with HCV. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Findings: The three categories'perceptions and misperceptions, challenges and sufferings, support and shortcomings'were subsumed under the theme “deadly, dangerous, and devastating.” Conclusion and implications for practice: Patients with HCV experience profound challenges that are influenced by their level of education, financial capacity, cultural norms, family support, and the sensitivity of health care professionals. Several cultural practices existing in Pakistan identify the need for public awareness. The findings on health care professionals have implications for nursing and allied health continuing education.