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Assessing Quality of Life in Hepatitis C Patients: Improvements Following Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy—A Single-Center Romanian Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) affects both physical health and overall well-being. The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has greatly improved treatment outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate changes in quality of life (QoL) before and after DAA therapy. Methods: Ninety-seven patients with chronic HC were assessed using the SF-36v2 Health Survey, which measures eight physical and mental health domains. The questionnaire was administered at baseline (before treatment) and 12 weeks after achieving a sustained virological response (SVR). Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were calculated. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed across multiple domains, including Physical Functioning (mean increase: +3.99, p < 0.001), General Health (+5.51, p < 0.001), and Vitality (+4.44, p < 0.001). Both PCS and MCS scores improved after therapy, indicating enhanced overall well-being. Subgroup analyses suggested greater physical gains among older patients and those with cirrhosis. Conclusions: Successful HCV treatment with DAAs improves not only virological outcomes but also patients’ day-to-day functioning and emotional health. Routine integration of QoL assessments is essential to capture the full spectrum of benefits offered by modern antiviral therapy.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13233007