In: Nursing
Create a message based on the health belief model of a Hepatitis C. Please fill in the blanks on the table:
Concept: |
Definition: |
Application: |
Perceived Susceptibility |
||
Perceived Severity |
||
Perceived Benefits |
||
Perceived Barriers |
||
Cues to Action |
||
Self-Efficacy |
Definition
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small (55–65 nm in size), enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae. The hepatitis C virus is the cause of hepatitis C and some cancers such as liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, abbreviated HCC) and lymphomas in humans.
Concept
The hepatitis C virus is usually spread when someone comes into contact with blood from an infected person. This can happen through, Sharing drug-injection equipment. Today, most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs.
Application
Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause several significant health problems. Sensitive and specific assays for antibodies to HCV are available to identify and confirm individuals infected with HCV. Evaluation of the clinical impact of HCV infection in a patient includes measuring liver biochemistries and possibly liver biopsy. Molecular assays such as HCV genotype identification and qualitative/quantitative HCV RNA analyses may be valuable in considerations of prognosis and therapy. Further refinement of antibody screening and confirmatory assays and standardization of molecular testing are necessary to optimize testing and thus fully characterize the diagnosis of HCV infection.
Perceived Susceptibility
Stages of Hepatitis C
The hepatitis C virus affects people in different ways and has several stages:
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Many people with hepatitis C have no symptoms. But between 2 weeks and 6 months after the virus enters your bloodstream, you could notice:
Symptoms usually last for 2 to 12 weeks. Read more on the symptoms and early warning signs of hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C spreads when blood or body fluids contaminated with the hepatitis C virus get into your bloodstream through contact with an infected person.
You can be exposed to the virus from:
You can’t catch hepatitis C through:
Symptoms of Advanced Hepatitis C
You could notice acute symptoms along with:
Hepatitis C Risk Factors
The CDC recommends you get tested for the disease if you:
Since July 1992, all blood and organ donations in the U.S. are tested for the hepatitis C virus. The CDC says it is now rare that someone getting blood products or an organ would get hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C Testing and Diagnosis
Doctors will start by checking your blood for:
Anti-HCV antibodies: These are proteins your body makes when it finds the hep C virus in your blood. They usually show up about 12 weeks after infection.
It usually takes a few days to a week to get results, though a rapid test is available in some places.
The results can be:
If your antibody test is positive, you’ll get this test:
HCV RNA: It measures the number of viral RNA (genetic material from the hepatitis virus) particles in your blood. They usually show up 1-2 weeks after you’re infected.
You might also get:
Liver function tests: They measure proteins and enzyme levels, which usually rise 7 to 8 weeks after you’re infected. As your liver gets damaged, enzymes leak into your bloodstream. But you can have normal enzyme levels and still have hepatitis C.
Treatment and Medication for Hepatitis C
If you have acute hepatitis C, there is no recommended treatment. If your hepatitis C turns into a chronic hepatitis C infection, there are several medications available.
Interferon, peginterferon, and ribavirin used to be the main treatments for hepatitis C. They can have side effects like fatigue, flu-like symptoms, anemia, skin rash, mild anxiety, depression, nausea, and diarrhea.
Now you’re more likely to get one of these medications:
What Are the Side Effects of Hepatitis C Medications
The most common side effects of hepatitis C drugs depend on the medicine and often include:
Learn about the side effects of hepatitis C treatment and what to expect.
What Are the Complications of Hepatitis C
About 75% to 85% of people who have it get a long-term infection called chronic hepatitis C. If the condition goes untreated, it can lead to:
Preventive methods of Hepatitis C Infection
There’s no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. To avoid getting the virus:
Summary
Barriers to HCV treatment vary globally, though patient-level factors are viewed as most significant by treating physicians. Efforts to improve awareness, education, and specialist availability are needed. Hepatitis C/therapy, health services accessibility, health care surveys, physician’s practice patterns, delivery of health care