Experiences of Hepatitis B Carriers from Concealment of the Disease: A Qualitative Study

Hepatitis B is one of the most common health problems in the world, especially in developing countries. It is necessary to understand and be aware of what infected people experience in their lives with this phenomenon. The purpose of the present study was to determine the experiences of concealment of the disease perceived by these patients. This study was a qualitative content analysis. The data was collected through 18 unstructured and in-depth interviews with hepatitis B carriers in healthcare centers and consultation centers for liver and digestive diseases in Amol, Babol and Tabriz, during 2014-2015. The sampling was purposive and all of the interviews were recorded, transcribed word by word and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. The data analysis led to extraction of concealment of disease, as the major theme, along with three sub-themes, including feigning normal social behavior, minimization of the disease and disease concealment (living with secrets). Analysis of participants’ experiences showed that one of the common and important experiences among them was concealment of disease to persist their interactions, which existed as different forms in various states and situations of their lives. According to the results, patients infected by hepatitis B virus have to hide their diseases from other people in order to continue their normal lives and protect themselves against the negative and humiliating glances of others. Consequently, it should be emphasized on the necessity of educational and consultation programs regarding the different aspects of this disease, as well as appropriately informing the society.