The Social impact of Living With Hepatitis B
Social impact: Many respondents reported being impacted socially by hepatitis B in different ways, ranging from feeling avoided to feeling that their family and personal relationships have been negatively affected by their diagnosis.
Findings:
- 60% felt others avoid them.
- 43% try to avoid others (self-isolate).
- 48% said having hepatitis B negatively affected their relationships with family and friends.
- 32% didn’t share their diagnosis with loved ones for fear of being treated differently.
One participant said “… I haven't been in a romantic relationship for years and years and years, and you know that certainly would be scary if I met somebody, to tell them.”
Take action:
- Please know that:
- Hepatitis B does not define who you are or what you can do.
- People with hepatitis B can have loving, fulfilling relationships, without fear of transmitting the virus to loved ones.
- It is important to have a support network to help you through your hepatitis B journey.
- Disclosing your hepatitis B status can be difficult, but there is help! Join HepBCommunity.org to talk with others and ask questions.
- Before discussing your hepatitis B with others, prepare yourself with information at www.hepb.org.