Open AccessPatient Perspectives on Adherence to the New Hepatitis C Antiviral Medications: ‘A New Lease on Life’
Author(s) -
Nicole M Giordano,
Anthony J Brinn,
Guadalupe García–Tsao,
Steve Martino
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2018.2740
Subject(s) - dasabuvir , sofosbuvir , ledipasvir , simeprevir , medicine , hepatitis c , qualitative research , nonprobability sampling , psychology , family medicine , sociology , virology , chronic hepatitis , population , social science , virus , environmental health , ribavirin
This study explored patients’ perspectives about taking the new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of Hepatitis C (i.e., sofosbuvir, simeprevir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, ombitasvir/paritraprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir) to identify facilitators of medication adherence. The project was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 12 Veterans who successfully completed a treatment course on the new DAAs. The Veterans were recruited using purposive sampling. The data collected from the semi-structured interviews was analyzed using an adapted open coding method outlined by Auerbach and Silverstein (2003), with identification of relevant text sub-grouped into repeating ideas, and then creation of overarching themes and constructs. Results obtained provide insight into factors that influenced the Veterans’ medication adherence during the course of treatment. Key constructs, embodying major themes supported by repeating ideas, included recognizing the “burden of HCV,” the importance of the “treatment engagement process,” and anticipation of “positive outcomes.” Clinical implications are discussed.