Alcohol and coffee drinking and smoking habit among subjects with HCV infection.
OBJECTIVE
The aims were to estimate among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection the prevalence of alcohol and coffee intake and smoking habit, the reliability of these self-reported data and the possible change of patients' habit after their first contact with a Viral Hepatitis Service.


METHODS
229 patients were initially interviewed personally at the Viral Hepatitis Service and after 6 months they were re-interviewed by phone in regard to their alcohol, coffee drinking and smoking habits.


RESULTS
Alcohol drinkers were 55.5% of males and 35.3% of females. Most subjects drank coffee daily, both men (90.0%) and women (84.9%). The proportion of current smokers was higher in males (43.6%) than females (26.9%). We found a fair to good reliability of self-reported data regarding patients' habits, alcohol and coffee intake, and number of cigarettes smoked daily. We observed a statistically significant decrease in alcohol and coffee intake and cigarettes smoked between baseline and follow-up interviews.


CONCLUSIONS
We found a fairly high proportion of HCV-infected patients who regularly drink alcohol and coffee beverages and smoke cigarettes, especially among males. The reliability of self-reported data on these habits seems satisfactory. More decisive action to modify these habits, especially alcohol intake, is required in these patients.
Zani
C
C
Department of Experimental and Applied Medicine, Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Donato
F
F
Chiesa
M
M
Baiguera
C
C
Gelatti
U
U
Covolo
L
L
Antonini
M G
MG
Nasta
P
P
Gatti
F
F
Orizio
G
G
Puoti
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D003069:Coffee / Q000009:adverse effects; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D003069:Coffee