Australian Journal of Primary Health
Volume 25, Issue 3, 2019, Pages 264-274

A qualitative investigation of barriers, support-seeking and coping among South Sudanese people with chronic hepatitis B in Australia (Article)

Mude W.* , Fisher C. , Richmond J. , Wallace J. , Le Gautier R.
  • a Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, la Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
  • b Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, la Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
  • c Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, la Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
  • d Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, la Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
  • e Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, la Trobe University, Building NR6, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia

Abstract

This inquiry examines health-seeking practices and challenges among South Sudanese people from refugee backgrounds with chronic hepatitis B in Australia. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted. Using interpretative thematic analysis, the results revealed four themes, consisting of barriers and facilitators to clinical follow up, treatment and support-seeking practices and coping responses. Time constraints, having divergent views about treatment decisions and perceived inadequate clinical support were also identified as barriers. Being referred to a specialist, being aware of the risk associated with liver cancer and sending reminders about appointments were identified as facilitators to clinical follow up. Treatment-seeking practices involved both biomedical and alternative therapies. Participants mainly drew on their social networks and supports, religious beliefs and individual resilience as coping strategies. The findings are important for improving access to treatment and care and support for people with chronic hepatitis B from the South Sudanese community. © 2019 La Trobe University.

Author Keywords

Sudanese refugees healthcare-seeking Social support

Index Keywords

refugee Australia follow up human Health Behavior Sudanese time factor coping behavior cancer risk alternative medicine reminder system male semi structured interview female patient referral qualitative analysis clinical article Article liver cancer help seeking behavior thematic analysis awareness adult health care access medical specialist chronic hepatitis B health care disparity patient decision making
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85067665080&doi=10.1071%2fPY19015&partnerID=40&md5=ba0d3a15026701dc7120fef1a6f09728
DOI: 10.1071/PY19015
ISSN: 14487527
Original Language: English