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Chronic hepatitis C. Implications for health-related quality of life

M Heitkemper1, M Jarrett, E M Kurashige

  • 1School of Nursing, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, Box 357266, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.

Gastroenterology Nursing : the Official Journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates
|February 19, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Chronic hepatitis C significantly impacts patients' quality of life, affecting physical and mental well-being even without severe complications. This highlights the need for nursing interventions focused on symptom management.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health concern, affecting millions with many unaware of their status.
  • Chronic hepatitis C can progress to cirrhosis in 15% of cases within 20 years.
  • Existing research indicates a negative impact of chronic hepatitis C on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of how chronic hepatitis C affects HRQoL.
  • To examine HRQoL during pharmacologic treatment and post-liver transplantation for hepatitis C.
  • To identify gaps in research regarding longitudinal HRQoL studies and associated factors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
  • Analysis of research on HRQoL in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
  • Examination of studies considering treatment and transplantation outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Patients with chronic hepatitis C report feeling unwell and experience significant physical and mental well-being changes.
  • HRQoL is negatively affected even in patients without major disease complications.
  • Limited prospective studies exist, particularly concerning symptoms, disease progression markers, and immune function.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic hepatitis C substantially diminishes patients' perceived health and well-being.
  • Findings have significant implications for nursing care, emphasizing symptom reduction and self-care management.
  • Further intervention studies are needed to address the impact on quality of life.

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