Needs Assessment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Receiving Combination Therapy

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis C virus is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis. The most effective and generally available treatments for HCV are a combination therapy while can cure more than 90% of persons with HCV infection they include: interferon alpha (IFN), ribavirin (RBV). But the adverse effects with this combination therapy are most common. These patients need range from information about combination therapy to physical, psychological and social needs. Aim: This study aimed to assess the needs of patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving combination therapy based on their identified needs and to develop suggested guidelines for patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving combination therapy. Design: Descriptive exploratory study was use in carrying out this study. Setting: the study was conducted at the Outpatient clinic of the Health Insurance Hospital (Liver & gastrointestinal system) affiliated to Ministry of Health Banha city Qalyubia Governorate. Subjects: A purposive sample of (80) patients with chronic hepatitis c virus receiving combination therapy. Tool: Two tools were used for data collection: 1) Interviewing questionnaire sheet: it covers sociodemogrphic data & medical characteristics data and assessment of patient knowledge 2) Needs assessment questionnaires sheet: Assessment of Physical, psychological, and social needs. Result: Overall the present study noted that more than three fifth of patients had unsatisfactory level of knowledge to all times about hepatitis C virus and combination therapy except dose, route and duration combination therapy was satisfactory. On the other hand, the study revealed that, the patient in the present study had low Physical needs, psychological and social needs. However; the psychological needs were higher percentage than other needs regarding their management. Conclusion: Results of this study concluded that, patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving combination therapy need more attention and guidelines as regards physical, psychological and social needs. Recommendations: the study recommended that to develop a national program to screen people most susceptible to the virus (C) to reduce infectious causes and provide early treatment & Patients are in need to a simplified illustrated and comprehensive Arabic booklet including information about chronic hepatitis C and combination therapy.