A blind spot? Confronting the stigma of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection - A systematic review.

ABSTRACT: Background: Stigma, poverty, and lack of knowledge present barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic infection, especially in resource-limited settings. Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is frequently asymptomatic, but accounts for a substantial long-term burden of morbidity and mortality. In order to improve the success of diagnostic, treatment and preventive strategies, it is important to recognise, investigate and tackle stigma. We set out to assimilate evidence for the nature and impact of stigma associated with HBV infection, and to suggest ways to tackle this challenge. Methods: We carried out a literature search in PubMed using the search terms 'hepatitis B', 'stigma' to identify relevant papers published between 2007 and 2017 (inclusive), with a parti

SUBMITTER: Mokaya J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6234740 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature