Lifestyle of Patients infected with Hepatitis C Virus

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing – Ain Shams University

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus infection is a chronic inflammatory process leading to not
only hepatic inflammation but also persistent systemic inflammation, Aim: The current study aimed
to assess lifestyle of patients infected with hepatitis C virus. Research Design: Descriptive design
was used. Setting: The study was conducted at the Institute of liver specialized hospital in Kafr-El-
Sheikh Governorate. Sample: A convenient sample was used for this study; include 60 patients with
Hepatitis C virus at outpatients, and inpatients units. Tool: Interview questionnaire tool was used to
assess life style of patients infected with hepatitis C virus that consisted of four parts. Part 1: Socio
demographic characteristics, Part 2: History of infection/disease, Part 3: Knowledge about hepatitis
C virus infection, Part 4: Health status and lifestyle Results: Majority of the participants had
unsatisfactory total knowledge about HCV. Majority of the participants have poor life style total
scores. There is no statistically significant relation between patients' total knowledge and their
personal characteristics. There is a highly statistically significant relation between patients' total life
style and their ages, marital status, and education. Also, there is a statistically significant relation
between patients' total life style and their six. Conclusion: Majority of the participants have poor
life style total scores. There is no statistically significant relation between patients' total knowledge
and their personal characteristics. There is a highly statistically significant relation between patients'
total life style and their ages, marital status, and education. Recommendations: Provide educational
programs to increase patient's knowledge regarding hepatitis C virus and improve patient's practice
regarding hepatitis C virus which affect lifestyle.

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