Exploring Effect of Medication Adherence on Quality of Life among Newly Treated Hepatitis “C” Virus Patients

Abstract

Background: Medication adherence and Quality of Life (QoL) are two integral factors for sustaining optimal health; where medication non-adherence of Hepatitis C virus patients predisposes them to poor prognosis and remarkably low QoL. This study aimed to explore the effect of medication adherence practices on the quality of life among newly treated hepatitis "C" virus (HCV) patients. Methods: The researchers used a quasi-experimental research design. Setting: The study was conducted at the Hepatology Outpatient Clinic of Alexandria Main University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive non-probability sample of 100 adult newly treated HCV patients (≤12 months) were enrolled. Tools: The researchers used three tools for collecting data. Firstly, Sociodemographic and Clinical Data sheet, secondly Morisky Medication Adherence Scale 8 items (MMAS-8), and thirdly, the World Health Organization Quality of Life abbreviated version (WHOQoL-BREF) Questionnaire. Results: A highly significant difference was obvious between all medication adherence items of studied patients at the pre, one-month, and three months post-tests. Where the mean total QoL score was increased after three months of follow-up than from the preintervention with a highly significant difference. Additionally, a highly positive correlation between medication adherence and QoL was detected in pre, one-month, and three months follow-up periods. Conclusion: the mean total QoL score of the studied HCV patients was improved, with a high positive correlation between medication adherence and QoL in newly treated studied HCV patients.