Social Problem among Hepatitis C and B Virus Patients

Introduction: Hepatitis B and C infections pose significant globalhealth burdens, particularly affecting liver health and often remainingasymptomatic, earning them the label “silent killers.” This study aimedto assess the social challenges faced by hseepatitis B and C patientsin Baghdad, Iraq.Methods: Conducted from December 2023 to January 2024, the study employed a quantitative, nonexperimental, descriptive cross-sectional design. Purposive sampling was used to select participants from Baghdad Governorate’s Medical City Department/ Digestiveand Liver Teaching Hospital. Data were collected through structuredquestionnaires covering socio-demographics and social parameters.Results: The study revealed that hepatitis patients, predominantly males,face moderate to high levels of loneliness, with a significant impact ontheir emotional well-being. While they perceive moderate social support,they struggle with feelings of isolation and social disengagement.However, their social relationships with family and community remainmoderately intact, similar to healthy individuals.Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for holistic careapproaches addressing not only the physical but also the social aspectsof hepatitis management to improve patients’ overall well-being andquality of life. How to cite this article:Kadem A Y, Turki S G. Social Problem amongHepatitis C and B Virus Patients. J Commun Dis.2025;57(1):144-150. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202519