Factors influencing health-related quality of life in chronic liver disease.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the factors contributing to health-related quality of life (HRQL) in chronic liver disease (CLD).


METHODS
Patients with CLD and age- and sex-matched normal subjects performed the validated Thai versions of the short-form 36 (SF-36) by health survey and chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ). Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to assess the impact of disease severity, demography, causes of CLD, socioeconomic factors, and self-rating health perception on HRQL.


RESULTS
Two-hundred and fifty patients with CLD and fifty normal subjects were enrolled into the study. Mean age and the numbers of low educated, unemployed, blue-collar career and poor health perception increased significantly from chronic hepatitis to Child's Classes A to B to C. Advanced stage of CLD was related to deterioration of HRQL. Increasing age and female reduced physical health area. Low socioeconomic factors and financial burden affected multiple areas of HRQL. In overall, the positive impact of self-rating health perception on HRQL was consistently showed.


CONCLUSIONS
Advanced stages of chronic liver disease, old age, female sex, low socioeconomic status and financial burden are important factors reducing HRQL. Good health perception improves HRQL regardless of stages of liver disease.
Sobhonslidsuk
Abhasnee
A
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Praram 6 road, Rajathevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. teasb@mahidol.ac.th
Silpakit
Chatchawan
C
Kongsakon
Ronnachai
R
Satitpornkul
Patchareeya
P
Sripetch
Chaleaw
C
Khanthavit
Anya
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand