Individuals' Perceptions of Liver Cirrhosis: A Qualitative Study

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic and relatively common disease without a definitive cure in most cases. Few studies have investigated affected individuals perceptions of the disease. This qualitative study aimed to describe the perceptions of individuals ( n = 27) with liver cirrhosis toward their disease. Interview data was analyzed using conventional content analysis. Data analysis revealed two main themes: the first theme was "perceived sensitivity to the cirrhosis," which was characterized by concerns about disease transmission to others, concerns about seeing symptoms as a reason in referring to medical centers, hiding disease from others, feeling remorse or guilt in having disease, and personal beliefs about cause of disease. The second theme was the "perceived severity of the cirrhosis," which was characterized by feelings of disease exacerbation due to tension and stress, discomfort due to continuation of annoying symptoms, discomfort due to ascites, and fear and hope while waiting for liver transplantation. The findings indicate a perceived threat from liver cirrhosis. Such perceived threats and their characteristics could help nurses and other healthcare providers to be aware of this perception in their care of individuals living with liver cirrhosis.