Table 1 Participants perceived hepatitis C treatment benefits and side effects (n = 19)
Physical | Emotional | Cognitive | |
|---|---|---|---|
Treatment benefits | Increased appetite | Increased motivation | Clearer thinking |
Craving healthier foods | Improved mood (more positive mindset, happier, less agitated, less frustrated, calmer) | Improved focus and concentration | |
Weight gain | |||
Decreased sweating | Improved speech | ||
Decreased bloating | Improved memory | ||
Decreased liver pain | Sense of achievement | More alert | |
Increased confidence | |||
Decreased bodily pain | |||
Fewer colds/illness | Decreased stigma (experienced and internalised) | ||
Quicker skin wound healing | |||
More energy/less fatigued | Decreased uncertainty and worry | ||
Better quality sleep/less sleep required | |||
Overall feeling better | |||
Side effects | Flatulence | None reported | None reported |
Constipation | |||
Dizziness and nausea | |||
Poor skin wound healing | |||
Lower libido |