Depression and Cigarette Smoking Independently Relate to Reduced Health-Related Quality of Life among Canadians Living with Hepatitis C. (2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balfour, Louise; Cooper, Curtis; Kowal, John; Tasca, Giorgio A; Silverman, Amy; Kane, Marie; Garber, Gary
• Is Part Of: Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. Volume 20:Number 2(2006)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2006
• Subjects: Cigarette smoking -- Depression -- Health-related quality of life -- Hepatitis C
• DOI: 10.1155/2006/469761
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0835-7900

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Many people living with chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV) report reduced health-related quality of life. The relative contribution of behavioural, psychosocial and HCV disease factors to reduction in HCV health-related quality of life is not well understood. The objectives of the present study were to compare standardized health-related quality of life scores between Canadian HCV patients and age-matched Canadian and American norms, and to examine the relative contribution of biopsychosocial variables (ie, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake and depression) to health-related quality of life scores among Canadian HCV patients. METHODS: HCV RNA-positive patients were recruited during their first visit to the Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Clinic (Ottawa, Ontario). A questionnaire assessing health behaviours, health-related quality of life and depressed mood was completed. Data on liver studies, liver biopsy findings and HIV serostatus were also collected. RESULTS: A total of 123 participants (71% men) ranging from 20 to 67 years of age were evaluated. All had compensated liver function. Patients reported significantly lower health-related quality of life compared with age-matched Canadian and American normative samples. In a series of hierarchical multiple regression models, depression and smoking were independently related to compromised health-related quality of life scores, even after controlling for sociodemographic variables and health behaviours. DISCUSSION: These results highlight the value of adopting a biopsychosocial model of HCV care. Depressed mood and smoking behaviour should be evaluated in HCV patients. Empirically validated psychological and pharmacological treatments for depression and smoking cessation may improve health-related quality of life in HCV infected patients.