Factors Affecting adherence of Patients with viral Hepatitis C toward Therapeutic Regimen

Abstract

Background:The current standard-of-care treatments for chronic hepatitis C, based on a combination of peginterferon and ribavirine. Adherence is a crucial point for. The objective of this study was to assess factors that affect adherence in hepatitis-C patients toward therapeutic regimen. Methods: A descriptive exploratory study was conducted on 100 HCV-infected individuals undergoing treatment therapy, in interferon outpatient clinic, Beni Suef government hospital. Using Tools consist of three parts:1. Patient interview questionnaire sheet to assess socio-demographic characteristics and patients medical history II. Patient’s adherence assessment sheet: including Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) to assess the patient's adherence toward medication, and developed sheet to assess adherence to follow up, diet and exercise III.Factors affecting patient's adherence questionnaire sheet: to assess factors affecting patient's adherence toward therapeutic regimen. Results:There was (30%) total adherence level to therapeutic regimen for studied subject versus (70%) non adherence level. there are positive statistically significant relations between adherence level and Patient’s beliefs while, negative relations were found between adherence and socio-demographic at item of level of education, monthly income for therapy costs and home care provider, patients centered factor which include(Patients psychological status, Patient’s motivation, patient's knowledge), socio-economic factorsandtherapy-related factor and Health care system factor. Conclusion:there are several factors that seem to influence adherence of hepatitis C patients toward therapeutic regimen, this factors varied in its effect, one of them had positive effect like patient beliefs while many have negative effect like patient factor, therapyrelated factor, social factor economic factorand heath care system factor. This study recommended that; Providers should implement strategies tailored to each patient’s needs to help increase adherence or maintain high levels of antiviral adherence during HCV treatment. Health teaching program for hepatitis c patients and their family about concept of hepatitis c and its management. Keywords: Hepatitis C, adherence, therapeutic regimen: