ASSOCIATION OF QUALITY OF LIFE WITH LIVER FIBROSIS AMONG PATIENTS TREATED FOR HEPATITIS C IN GEORGIA

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Hepatitis C (HCV) seroprevalence in Georgia is estimated at 7.7%, with RNA prevalence at 5.4%.
• Limited data exists on the impact of successful antiviral treatments on patient quality of life (QOL) in Georgia.
• Understanding QOL in HCV patients is crucial for effective hepatitis C elimination programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the QOL of patients undergoing antiviral treatment within Georgia's hepatitis C elimination program.
• To determine the association between QOL and the degree of liver fibrosis and laboratory parameters.
• To identify factors associated with advanced liver fibrosis and their impact on patient well-being.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based study was conducted among 378 adult participants (HCV RNA-positive) before antiviral treatment.
• Liver fibrosis was assessed using the FIB4 score and liver elastography.
• Patient responses were analyzed to identify associations between QOL, fibrosis, and clinical factors.

Main Results:

• Nearly 30% of participants had advanced liver fibrosis.
• Older age, general weakness, and insomnia were associated with advanced liver fibrosis.
• Muscle and abdominal pain were more common in patients with high FIB4 scores, impacting their family life.

Conclusions:

• Advanced liver fibrosis is significantly associated with poorer QOL in Georgian HCV patients.
• Symptoms like pain and insomnia are indicators of reduced QOL in patients with advanced liver disease.
• Findings align with European research, suggesting collaborative public health interventions to improve QOL.