ORIGINAL ARTICLE A qualitative study of hepatitis B carriers' understanding of their chronic infection

Result: Thirty-nine asymptomatic HBV carriers of both genders, three races (Chinese, Malays and Indians) and aged 22–75 years were recruited in eight FGDs. Most carriers were aware of the viral origin, its effect on the liver and the main modes of transmission. Confusion of HBV with hepatitis A and transmission with shellfish was common. All had and were aware that the blood and liver ultrasound investigations were to detect liver complications but failed to recognize the need for regular monitoring in view of previous ‘normal’ results. They were also unaware of the current strategy in the use of anti-viral therapy and relied mostly on their doctors for HBV-related information. Conclusions: HBV carriers had fragmented understanding of their disease. They were less aware of the significance and need for regular disease surveillance or the availability of anti-viral therapy for definitive treatment, and were dependent mostly upon their doctors for health education.