Gender differences in the quality of life of patients with liver cirrhosis related to hepatitis C after liver transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection frequently leads to chronic liver disease, which adversely affects the quality of life (QoL) of the patient. The gender of the patient may be an important variable in the way severity of the disease is perceived. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of the gender variable on QoL in HCV-positive patients.


METHODS
This study included a total of 52 patients (26 men and 26 women) who completed a 1-year follow-up after liver transplantation. QoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire.


RESULTS
Male subjects have significantly higher scores on physical role functioning, bodily pain and physical activity compared with females. Females have a better QoL compared to males with regard to the emotional state and mental health.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show a significant effect of the gender variable on QoL in HCV patients.
Study Center of National Health and Gender Medicine, Padua Operating Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Tonino
T
Bianco
Umberto
U
Cillo
Piero
P
Amodio
Giacomo
G
Zanus
Annalisa
A
Salari
Daniele
D
Neri
Giancarlo
G
Bombonato
Sami
S
Schiff
Giovannella
G
Baggio
Claudio
C
Ronco
Alessandra
A
Brocca
Sachin
S
Soni
Lina
L
Minazzato
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires