Stigma and Pakistani patients on treatment for Hepatitis C

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  To explore experiences of stigma among Pakistani patients on treatment for Hepatitis C (HCV)

• IRAS ID

  126574

• Contact name

  Darren Shickle

• Contact email

  d.shickle@leeds.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Leeds

• Research summary

  Hepatitis C is a serious public health problem. It is often known as a ’hidden epidemic’ and rarely carries any symptoms but in 80% of infected people it can lead to liver disease or liver cancer. Studies have shown that people originating from Pakistan are in a high risk group.
  Hepatitis C is highly stigmatised in the Pakistani community particularly because of its association with illicit drug abuse and sexual transmitted diseases. Stigma alone can lead to marginalising of not just individuals but their family and friends. As a result hepatitis C-infected individuals suffer in silence or refuse treatment. Therefore it is vital to reduce the burden of hepatitis C and to tackle stigma.
  The research question is ’to explore experiences of stigma among Pakistani patients on treatment for hepatitis C’. It will be a qualitative study using semi-structured one-to-one interviews with Pakistani patients attending the Bradford Royal Infirmary for treatment.An information sheet will be handed out to patients who attend the clinic to encourage participation. This sheet will outline the aims and significance of the study. It will be emphasized that there will be no obligation to take part, it will in no may affect their current treatment and they can pull out when they so wish. Those interested will susequently be contacted and invited for a private interview which will take place on the day of the clinic. This will last between 30-45 minutes and be audio-taped. A consent form will need to be signed. The anticipated sample is 10 patients which will include both male and female patients. Confidentiality and anonymity will be assured with all the collected data securely locked away. The study is expected to last 4 weeks.

• REC name

  Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  13/YH/0353

• Date of REC Opinion

  25 Nov 2013

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion