The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50678

Amy B. Jessop, PhD, MPH¹, Monika Burke, RN¹, Chari A. Cohen, MPH², Laura Taylor, MS¹, and Martin Black, MD³. (1) Department of Health Studies, Temple University, 304 Vivacqua Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, 215-204-6780, ajessop@astro.temple.edu, (2) Hepatitis B Foundation, 700 East Butler Avenue, Doylestown, PA 18901, (3) Section of Hepatology and Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Temple University Hospital, 3401 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140

Chronic viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver disease and liver transplants in the U.S. An estimated 110,000 residents of the Delaware Valley are infected with Hepatitis B or C. Prevention of transmission and reduction of morbidity and mortality can occur only if infected persons receive appropriate treatment, education and support. Support groups can help meet the needs of patients while reducing depression and anxiety, improving coping skills, increasing life satisfaction and in some cases, extending survival time. This project examined the information and support needs of Delaware Valley hepatitis support group members and the usefulness of the groups in meeting these needs. A total of 40 members from 4 hepatitis support groups were surveyed. Members joined the group to get information (85%) and support (73%), give information (33%), and support (60%). The mean length of membership was 10 months. Many report that the support group is their most useful source of information (53%). Information needs included diet (55%), prevention of transmission (25%), vaccination (13%), treatment options (75%), diagnosis (20%), dr.-patient communication (43%), and alternative therapies (45%). Members would prefer to learn about these topics through their support group (63%). Seventy percent reported receiving support from their group at some point, 48% report receiving support often, and that this support is hard to get elsewhere (65%). Members reported that information and support received has helped them accept their situation, handle difficult treatment side effects, and make appropriate care decisions.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)List the information needs of hepatitis patients
• 2)Describe benefits of hepatitis support group membership

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.