What if any, psychological problems, have affected women in Ireland since being diagnosed with Hepatitis C through contaminated Anti -D?

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Authors
Dooley, Nicola
Issue Date
2008
Degree
BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights
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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the psychological affects reported in women who contracted Hepatitis C through contaminated anti-d blood product in Ireland. Two contamination periods were identified, May 1977 to July 1979 and March 1991 to February 1994. Two sample groups were used for this study. Group 1. a support group, which meets every month in Beaumont Hospital. This consisted of 7 women ranging in age of 50-70. Group 2. consisted of Positive Action members, a support group formed in 1994 for women infected with Hepatitis C through contaminated anti-D. This consisted of 23 ranging in age from 40 to 70. A quantitative research method was used to collate the data and a Microsoft excel package was used to carry out the analysis. Two research tools were used in the form of two questionnaires. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Group 1. (Beaumont) were administered the CES-D only as a structured interview. Group 2. (Positive Action) self administered both the CES-D and the HADS through the postal service. Results reveled high levels of depressive symptomatology and anxiety within both groups. Levels were higher for both than previously reported in other research reviewed. For this reason it was recommended that further research and monitoring is carried out into the psychological affects of women who contracted Hepatitis C through contaminated anti-D.