Just a look at the psychosocial aspects

[willbb]

Nothing really new in this little study ,other than the importance for understanding and compassion ,combined with the need for  education by the health care community,patients and the public alike about HCV.
The stigmatising  is still the greatest barrier..

.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22154094

[pooh55811]

Let me clarify my choice of words. I know the Gay community is not completely homogeneous, but Gays, Lesbians, Transgenders, and Bisexuals do have one thing in commom; they are a minority group that has long been ostracized and persecuted. Therefore, they have something major in common. I should have used the words "something in common" instead of saying homogeneous. It is true that others had and have AIDS as well, especially hemophiacs and IV drug users, but the main group to originally contract AIDs (in the US) were Gay and Bisexual men. In addition, AIDS came on the heels of a major Gay rights movement across the country. AIDS just became part of the focus of a larger movement.

[pooh55811]

Personally, I think it would be quite cost effective for the government and health care officials to educate the public about Hep C instead of waiting for those of us with Hep C to get sick and waiting for more and more individuals to become positive. In the long run, an agreesive educational program and treatment would pay off.

One problem for us (besides the stigma) is that we are not a homogeneous group. We don't have a voice and we have no clout. If we think back to the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, no one would say the word AIDS either. In the beginning, the government was very slow to act. But the AIDS epidemic had a voice, a very loud voice. The AIDS epidemc had the Gay community, all aspects of it (gay men, lesbians, transgenders, bisexuals, and any I missed) (professionals, labor, the arts, actors, musicians, white collar and blue collar workers, athletes, and many in the health care field) loudly voicing their concerns and demanding action. It did take awhile, but in the end, the government finally got on board with education, prevention, and treatment.  That is what we need for Hep C but I am not holding my breath.

[willbb]

Hi desrt...Yes we are in a bit of a economical crunch up here in  Can. when it comes to health care also. I don"t expect anyone in these parts to be stepping up with billions of dollars for HCV awareness and education anytime soon either ...unfortunately.
I guess it is a bit of "chicken and egg" scenario.

We as the person affected tend to not step up and yell and scream because of that unfortunate stigma still attached and therefore ,very little is done towards the psychosocial problem on other fronts.

Just posted this as it caught my eye the other day..
Best..
Will

[desrt]

Thank you for posting this will, but with all due respect to our Australian, Canadian, and other Commonwealth members, I have to take issue with this study's methods, results, and conclusions as they apply to the US or other developed nations in the middle of economic recession and extreme 'donor/empathy fatigue'.

"METHODS: Thirteen patients, five hepatologists, and two hepatitis C specific counsellors from South Australia participated in semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically"

RESULTS:.......All respondents highlighted the importance of the patient-health professional relationship. This relationship was perceived to be enhanced by empathetic, compassionate professionals who provided comprehensive information in a sensitive and timely manner....."

There's a stunner - a 'study' conducted by counsellors is going to get responses stressing the importance of "empathetic, compassionate professionals".


"CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the psychosocial impact of chronic hepatitis C requires targeted information provision for patients, the general public, and mainstream health services......."

"Targeted information provision"  =  $$$$.  
All sectors of healthcare in this country are experiencing an explosive growth in costs and tightening of income flow. Any perception of HCV patients being considered a 'special needs' community could easily be met by resentment and the aforementioned 'donor fatigue'.
If we want to educate the public, I feel we need to do it ourselves  -  that means friends, families, and co-workers. I understand that this is an opinion contrary to that of about 95% of this forum, who feel that 'don't ask don't tell' is the best approach. I also realize that many don't feel they have the option to be open about HCV and its tx.
This is just my opinion. If we want to educate, we'll have to do it ourselves.

Sorry for the preachieness. I've been hanging out too much at the Current Events forum :-)

[eureka254]

Good post, willbb... reminds us that though we focus on the physical aspects often, the psychological collateral of having hcv can be as damaging to individuals as the biological aspects... education and understanding are the keys to overcoming these awful barriers.  Thanks for sharing. ~eureka