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Publication Date

6-28-2024

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Presentation: 7:03

Poster attached as supplemental file below

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a global health burden, affecting approximately 254 million individuals worldwide and resulting in 1.1 million deaths in 2022. Despite advancements in prevention, testing, and treatment, there are challenges with diagnosis, management, and misinformation about the infection. Per the WHO, 13% of individuals with chronic hepatitis B had been diagnosed, and only 3% had received antiviral treatment globally. This study aims to explore treatment preferences, common questions, barriers to care, and lived experiences of individuals with CHB through a mixed-methods approach, combining a quantitative survey and qualitative analysis of social media correspondence. A survey was distributed online by the Hepatitis B Foundation to individuals living with CHB and covered topics such as treatment practices, healthcare experiences, and preferences for CHB management. United States data was separated and analyzed. Concurrently, a thematic analysis of direct message conversations from social media platforms was conducted using NVivo 14 software to capture the lived experiences and common concerns of individuals with CHB. The survey revealed that 79% of respondents regularly visit doctors and 41% are not on antiviral treatment. 90% wanted to be involved in treatment decisions. Convenience, knowledgeable healthcare staff, confidentiality, and cost were key factors in choosing testing and treatment locations. Thematic analysis of social media queries highlighted several themes: 1) information needs about treatment protocols, lab results, and HBV transmission and prevention, 2) financial barriers to accessing treatment and medical care, and 3) emotional and mental health impacts from living with hepatitis B. This study highlights the need for better patient education on HBV, addressing misconceptions, and improving access to affordable diagnostic and treatment services. Patient-centered care and integrating mental health support can significantly improve the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals with HBV.

Lay Summary

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a serious liver infection that affects around 254 million people worldwide and caused 1.1 million deaths in 2022. Despite all the progress made in treating this disease, many people still struggle with getting diagnosed, managing the disease, and understanding it correctly. According to the World Health Organization, only 13% of people with CHB know they have it, and just 3% are receiving the treatment they need worldwide.

This study aims to understand what people with CHB prefer when it comes to their treatment options, the questions they have, the problems they face in getting care, and their everyday experiences. We used two methods: an online survey and an analysis of messages sent to the Hepatitis B Foundation's social media accounts. The Hepatitis B Foundation conducted an online survey for people living with CHB, asking about what treatment they are currently on, healthcare experiences, and preferences for managing the disease. The data from people in the United States was separated and analyzed. At the same time, we analyzed messages from social media to understand the concerns and experiences of people with CHB better. The survey showed that 79% of people regularly visit doctors for checkups, but 41% are not receiving antiviral treatment. 90% of respondents want to be involved in decisions about their treatment. When choosing places for testing and treatment, key factors included convenience, knowledgeable staff, confidentiality, and cost. From social media messages, we found three main themes 1) people need more information about treatment, lab results, and how hepatitis B spreads and can be prevented, 2) there are financial challenges in accessing medical care and treatment, and 3) living with hepatitis B often affects emotional and mental health, with issues like stigma and discrimination being common. This study shows the need for better education for patients about hepatitis B, correcting misconceptions, and making diagnostic and treatment services more affordable and accessible. By focusing on these areas and providing mental health support, we can improve the lives and health of people living with chronic hepatitis B.

Additional Files
202406_Sirapu_Shruti_poster.pptx (395 kB)

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English

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