Quality of life in patients with hepatitis C virus

Abstract EN

Background: Hepatitis C is an extensive disorder affecting a large sector of people and patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have a significant decrease in their health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL), although treatment success can mitigate this negative effect.

Aim of the work: Assessment of quality of life using short form SF-36 questionnaire in patients infected with hepatitis C virus.

Outcome: Well-being domains (physical and mental components) using short form (SF-36) questionnaire.

Type of study: Descriptive cross sectional study.

Study population; Patients who tested positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) were approached at Family Medicine outpatient clinics at Suez Canal University Hospital.

Data collection: Demographic characteristics, medical history, the probable route of infection, and other lifestyle factors.

Information on health-related quality of life was collected by use of the SF-36.

Results: Results revealed that infection with hepatitis C virus affect both sexes equally without gender differences.

Also results revealed that there is no significant differences (P >0.05) among rural and urban areas.

Results shows that age and smoking factors had correlation with most of quality life domains and physical and mental components in male patients with P value<0.05.

Also, all clinical and lab data had highly significant correlation with all quality of life domains with P value <0.01.

Conclusion: Overall quality of life was reduced in patients with hepatitis C virus.

There is a significant correlation between different domains of quality of life and clinical and laboratory data