Balancing uncertainty and proactivity in care seeking for hepatitis C: qualitative research with participants enrolled in a treatment trial in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Purpose: Direct acting antiviral treatment to cure hepatitis C virus (HCV) is becoming more accessible yet the experiences of those accessing care and treatment and the contexts under which care seeking takes place are largely unknown in low- and middle-income countries. These experiences are important for insight into the challenges people encounter and the support/structures they utilize. The study objective was to explore the experiences of care seeking and treatment for participants enrolled in a clinical trial in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Methods: We used in-depth interviews, home visits, mobile interviews, at both the clinic and in the home as we explored how participants experienced health and illness within their social worlds over time. Results: We enrolled 20 participants, of whom 20 completed the first interview, 16 the second, and 18 completed the last interview. Findings explore four themes: (1) navigating uncertainty, (2) proactivity in the face of challenges, (3) living in fear with faith, and (4) dynamic support systems. Conclusions: Understanding how participants envision and act upon their lived experiences can help to develop public health programmes that effectively address barriers and promote access to care and treatment for people with HCV in Vietnam.