The Impact of Stigmatization
These norms, behaviors, and beliefs surrounding hepatitis C infection can lead to alienation from family and friends, as well as to discrimination (perceived or real) in health services and workplaces.
Indeed, many chronic hepatitis C patients report feelings of stigmatization and social isolation from their friends, family, and coworkers.
“We’ve talked to HCV infected grandmothers whose own children won’t allow them to play with their grandchildren because they’re afraid of some sort of transmission,” reports Michael Ninburg, executive director of the Hepatitis Education Project, a Seattle-based group founded in 1993 to provide education, support, and advocacy for those living with hepatitis.
A recently diagnosed patient who works with Michael’s group echoed this sentiment. “I'm super outgoing. I talk about every feeling I have to my friends, just about anybody, and my diagnosis was something I could not talk about,” he said. “I knew that I had to do something about it, but I was ashamed.”