Hepatitis C is an infectious disease with elevated potential of developing into cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma, which acts silently, offering its bearers a dark prognosis in which they are sick without feeling a thing. In order to describe life for people with hepatitis C related to infection and its consequences, a qualitative study was developed in a public hospital specialized in contagious diseases in Goiânia-GO, Brazil. Eight people were interviewed in August of 2007, and the data was analyzed by the thematic content analysis technique. From this analysis three categories emerged: suffering and impotence facing infection, fighting and difficulties faced, and faith as a motivating power. It was noted that these individuals' suffering is related to base pathology and side effects from treatment, which lead to life changes. However, they find in faith a motivating power.
Hepatitis C; Hepacivirus; Quality of life