PATIENTS’ PERCEPTION OF FATTY LIVER DISEASE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Paying attention to symptoms and subjective experiences perceived by the
patients of various diseases is a valid approach to medical or nursing diagnosis. Considering the
experiences of intact patients and their true feelings guarantee the effectiveness of any program of care
and education.This study was designed to investigate fatty liver patients’ perception and experience.
Materials & Methods: This study using a phenomenological approach was conducted through indepth interviews. In addition all non-verbal behavior and patient notes were used in the field. The
samples consisted of nine fatty liver patients being selected with purposeful sampling method. The
data were analyzed using thematic analysis of transcribed interviews.
Results: A total of three main themes were obtained. In fatty liver patients’ opinion family support,
commitment to lifestyle changes and being hopful were the most important factor in disease
progression or regression.
Conclusion: Experiencing a new lifestyle, the need to family support, and eventually motivating them
to be hopeful is savior. A correct management of fatty liver disease and other chronic diseases is
emphasized