Quality of Life among Patients with Hepatitis C: Examining its determinants among patients receiving care through the Chilean National Plan for Hepatitis C

In the present study we examined changes in quality of life in a sample of 100 patients receiving care under the Chilean National Hepatitis C Treatment Plan. The aim of the study was to examine changes in quality of life across time, its relationship with treatment outcomes and how psychosocial factors, such as symptoms of depression, social support available, among others, influence changes and are influenced by changes in quality of life. Previous research has shown the relevance that both depressive symptoms and quality of life have on treatment compliance among these patients. In this abstract we report the results for only two data waves, however, the data collection will be complete with all 4 data waves by mid-year. Patients diagnosed with hepatitis C, who were receiving care through the public health system (that is the largest one and provides care at very low cost or free, depending on the income level of the patients) were eligible to be included in the study. All patients were receiving care from five hospitals located in Santiago, Chile. Some of these hospitals were also providing care to patients from other cities in Chile. All patients received a health screening (e.g. medical evaluation, blood tests, etc.) and completed several questionnaires that examined quality of life, symptoms of depression, illness beliefs, among other questionnaires, before their treatment started. They were then followed at three more time points: three, six and twelve months. We conducted multiple regression analyses and repeated measures anova. Our initial findings report a decrease in quality of life among all patients associated with the treatment received (p<0,01), we also found increases in depressive symptoms on average, but more among females (p<0,01). When we examined which factors predicted change, we found that role limitations due to physical problems (element of quality of life) was the most significant predictor of changes in depressive symptoms (p<0,05). Interestingly we found that only emotional support predicted depressive symptoms and quality of life (p<0,05). These findings show the influence of quality of life on changes in depressive symptoms and the role of emotional support on these patients. This information should be relevant for health care providers who provide care to these patients. As we continue to collect data, changes in quality of life and depressive symptoms will be examined using growth curves within HLM and we will examine its influence on health outcomes as well and compliance.