Use of Sf-36 Questionnaire in Evaluating the Quality Of Life of Hepatitis C Patients on Antiviral Therapy - Pilot Study
Use of Sf-36 Questionnaire in Evaluating the Quality Of Life of Hepatitis C Patients on Antiviral Therapy - Pilot Study

Summary/Abstract: This article presents some relevant data derived from a pilot study aimed primarily at investigating the quality of life of hepatitis C patients by the use of the standardized SF-36 questionnaire. HCV infection is an asymptomatic disease, studies demonstrating its significant impact on patients’ quality of life. At the same time, antiviral therapy may precipitate or exacerbate extrahepatic manifestations in patients with hepatitis C. Piloting the SF-36 questionnaire and re/ formulation of some hypotheses based on preliminary data. Considerations on a series of 30 patients about to start antiviral therapy investigated using the standardized SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. Although the results are preliminary, they seem to confirm the hypothesis that the disease and its treatment have a major impact on patients’ quality of life, exceeding in frequency and magnitude the initial predictions particularly in the mental and social domains, in terms of role and function, and also of the risk for depression. The manual and accompanying software have facilitated data processing and interpretation. Methodologically, the questionnaire proved easy to administer and accepted by subjects. The questionnaire scales, physical functioning, mental health and social functioning, fully covered all areas the disease has a major impact on. The results of the pilot study point out that in the following study phases more clear evidence on the relationship between physical and mental domains of quality of life in hepatitis C patients is needed.

• Details
• Contents