Kvalitet života i nivo stigmatizacije obolelih od hroničnog hepatitisa C

Abstract

Chronic hepatatitis C is a major public health problem. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which is disrupted the quality of life and in which sphere (psychological, physical and social), as well as the level of stigmatization of patients with chronic hepatitis C. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study. At the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center Nis, 154 consecutive patients of both sexes with chronic hepatitis C were examined using voluntary self-administered questionnaire containing sociodemographic data, HCV stigma scale and SF 36 questionnaire (for the quality of life before the diagnosis of the disease and during the last month). The study found that there was a decrease in the quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis C. On the feeling of stigmatization significantly affect: the status of single/unmarried, completed secondary school, living with parents, abandonment by partners and the use of PAS before getting ill, and as autonomous and independent factor stands out the abandonment by their partners. Protective factors for stigmatization are: age of the patients (older respondents), life in the country, finished primary school, status of single/unmarried, living with a spouse and children. Women are more stigmatized because of the greater personalization of the stigma. With the fall of the scores of the SF 36 questionnaire is growing stigmatization and discrimination of respondents. The physical component of quality of life, in both sexes, is most affected by the poor financial status, the status of widower/widow or no alcohol consumption, but the greatest impact on improving have younger age, middle school education, and alcohol consumption. The mental component of quality of life, in both sexes, is most affected by the single life and the status of divorced, and on improving of this component the younger age, life in the country and the status of unmarried/single. Conclusion: The study found that there was a significant decrease in the quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis C, as well as the significant presence of stigmatization, especially in women and those who have been left by the partner. The findings indicate the need for appropriate action in order to improve the quality of life and the improvement of preventive measures designed to reduce the occurrence, duration, severity and complexity of the social pressures to which these patients are exposed.