Introduction:

Data on quality of life in patients with hepatitis C are scarce in our country. To date, no study has determined the burden of chronic hepatitis C in the population of Colombia.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to determine the quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis C and to identify its determinants using the SF36V2 survey.

Methodology:

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between June 1,2015 and August 31, 2015. A trained interviewer used the Spanish version of the SF-36 V2 survey (Quality Metric Inc.). Then multivariate linear regression identified factors related to Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL). The Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to estimate the weights of comorbidities found in the sample.

Results:

Forty-one patients were available for analysis. The mean age was 57 years (SD 12.6). Fifty percent of the subjects had advanced cirrhosis and/or fibrosis. The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) were 48.2 and 45.6, respectively. Univariate linear regression analysis identified sex, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index and presence of liver cirrhosis as the main determinants of quality of life. The Charlson Comorbidity Index 10-year survival probability was the only independent predictor of SFD6.

Conclusion:

Age, sex and hepatic cirrhosis were identified as determinants of HRQoL. The Charlson index was the only independent predictor of SFD6. The implementation of multidisciplinary programs is necessary for comprehensive treatment of infected patients.

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