Adherence during antiviral treatment regimens for chronic hepatitis C: a qualitative study of patient-reported facilitators and barriers

To understand patients' perceptions of factors which facilitate and hinder adherence to inform adherence-enhancing interventions.

Adherence to antiviral therapy for hepatitis C viral infection is critical to achieving a sustained virological response. However, persistence with and adherence to antiviral regimens can pose challenges for patients that interfere with sustained virological response.

A qualitative analysis of 21 semistructured patient interviews using open-ended questions and specific follow-up probes was conducted. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and content-analyzed iteratively to determine frequent and salient themes.

Three broad themes emerged: (1) missing doses and dose-timing errors; (2) facilitators of adherence; and (3) barriers to adherence. Open-ended questioning revealed few dose-timing deviations, but more specific probes uncovered several more occurrences of delays in dosing. Facilitators of adherence fell into 2 broad categories: (a) patient knowledge and motivation; and (b) practical behavioral strategies and routines. Facilitators were noted post hoc to be consistent with the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model of Adherence. Barriers to adherence involved changes in daily routine, being preoccupied with family or work responsibilities, and sleeping through dosing times. A few patients reported skipping doses due to side effects. Patients with previous hepatitis C virus treatment experience may have fewer dose-timing errors. Finally, a high level of anxiety among some patients was discovered regarding dosing errors. Emotional and informational support from clinical and research staff was key to assuaging patient fears.

This qualitative study improves our understanding of patients' perspectives regarding adhering to hepatitis C treatment and can lead to the development of adherence-enhancing interventions.