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The hepatitis C self-management programme: a randomized controlled trial
E J Groessl1, K R Weingart, C J Stepnowsky
1VA San Diego Healthcare System, CA, USA. egroessl@ucsd.edu
Journal of Viral Hepatitis
|June 10, 2010
Summary
A self-management workshop improved hepatitis C (HCV) knowledge and quality of life in a disadvantaged population. This intervention enhances health outcomes for individuals with chronic hepatitis C, regardless of antiviral therapy.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) affects millions globally, with many patients unable to access or unwilling to undergo antiviral treatment.
- Behavioral education, including alcohol avoidance and symptom management, is crucial, especially for disadvantaged populations with high liver risk factors.
- Self-management interventions offer a promising avenue to enhance HCV knowledge and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a 6-week self-management workshop compared to an information-only intervention for patients with chronic hepatitis C.
- To assess the impact of the intervention on HCV knowledge, self-efficacy, HRQOL, depression, energy, and health distress.
Main Methods:
- 132 patients with HCV from a disadvantaged background were randomized into two groups: a 6-week self-management workshop or an information-only control.
- The workshop utilized cognitive-behavioral principles, adapted from existing chronic disease programs with added HCV-specific modules.
- Outcomes were measured at baseline and 6 weeks using validated instruments assessing HRQOL, knowledge, self-efficacy, and distress.
Main Results:
- Participants in the self-management workshop showed significant improvements in HCV knowledge (P < 0.001) and HCV self-efficacy (P = 0.011) compared to the control group.
- A notable increase in SF-36 energy/vitality scores was observed in the workshop group (P = 0.040).
- Trends towards improvement were also seen in SF-36 physical functioning and health distress.
Conclusions:
- The 6-week self-management program effectively improved disease knowledge and HRQOL in a disadvantaged population with hepatitis C.
- This intervention demonstrates potential to enhance the health of individuals with chronic hepatitis C, independent of antiviral treatment.
- Further research is warranted to explore long-term outcomes, impact on antiviral treatment adherence, and cost-effectiveness.
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