Complexity and uncertainty of living with an invisible virus of hepatitis b in Korea

Haeok Lee, Jin Hyang Yang, Myung Ok Cho, Jacqueline Fawcett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore infected Koreans' perceptions, knowledge, and experiences of living with a hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive diagnosis. The qualitative, descriptive study with a purposive sampling method was utilized. Participants were recruited from hepatology outpatient clinics at an urban Korean university hospital. The findings of this study illustrate the complexity and uncertainty of living with an invisible virus once that one's HBV positive status is known. The themes highlight misunderstanding, confusion, uncertainty, and various perceptions of health management with which the patients have been living. Education of both the general public and people with HBV infection is necessary to reduce HBV infection by preventing transmission of the virus and protecting the livers of infected patients from further damage.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)337-342
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Cancer Education
Volume25
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2010

Keywords

  • Health management
  • Hepatitis B virus
  • Knowledge
  • Korean
  • Liver function
  • Symptoms
  • Uncertainty

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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