Experiences of Oxford House Residents Living with the Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most prevalent chronic blood-borne infection in the United States and the leading cause of chronic liver disease. HCV is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. New infections remain common among IDUs, prisoners, and others likely to be exposed to infected blood. The purpose of this study was to use qualitative methods to gain insight into the experiences of HCV-infected residents, an approach that has proved informative in helping individuals manage similar challenging chronic illnesses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four Oxford House female residents living with HCV. The semi-structure qualitative interview consisted of 18 questions which were designed to focus on three broad areas: experiences of contracting and being diagnosed with HCV, ways in which HCV affected their lives, and experiences living in an Oxford House. Overall, participants were not surprised at their diagnosis, but it did impact their mood. Participants had difficulty with social functioning, experienced physical and psychological symptoms, and received a substantial amount of social support from family and Oxford House residents.