It is estimated that more than 242,000 Australians have Hepatitis C, and around 16,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Few with this infection access clinical treatment and even fewer successfully complete a course of Hepatitis C treatment. This report examines the range of psychological and social factors associated with decisions to take up treatment, and present results of a study which used both qualitative and quantitative methods to identify personal, psychological and structural barriers.

This study is unique in that it offers three different perspectives on treatment: those of people with Hepatitis C, general practitioners and specialist physicians. Factors which were found to be critical in deciding whether to take up treatment included the individual's perception of how the treatment would benefit them, the likely severity of side-effects, and the availability of medical support. The greatest challenges to staying on treatment which were identified by people currently on treatment and those previously in treatment were side-effects associated with treatment and the association of treatment with depression.