Quality of Life in Hepatitis C

Abstract

Background:  Hepatitis is an ailment characterized by inflammation of the liver, usually resulting in swelling and destruction of liver tissues. The hepatitis C virus causes hepatitis C. A marked decline in the quality of life of hepatitis C patients has been revealed in a num-ber of studies conducted worldwide.

Study Design and Duration:  A retrospective study was carried out among hundred patients of hepatitis C and three of them were followed for a period of 3 months.

Objectives:  The major aims of this study were to eva-luate the quality of life of the patients suffering from hepatitis C, estimation of the patient compliance with the management methods, evaluation of the end results of the therapeutic treatment, assessment of the patient satisfaction with the medicines, comparison of the quality of life of the suffering patients with their opti-mum health state and the comparison of the quality of life of the patients during and after the management / treatment of the disease.

Methodology:  In order to pursue the study, a medication history / patient interview form was developed on the basis of which patients suffering from hepatitis C were interviewed. This survey was followed by the comparison of national treatment guidelines with international treatment guidelines.

Conclusion:  The study revealed that the patients were not satisfied with their quality of life during their ail-ment whereas many expressed that their quality of life improved after receiving a rational and well managed medical treatment.

Key Words:  Hepatitis C, liver, quality of life.