Assessment Knowledge Regarding Interferon Therapy and Short Term Follow-Up among HCV Patients at Kafer El-Shekh Liver and Heart Institute
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- Category: Vol. 81, June 2013
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Assessment Knowledge Regarding Interferon Therapy and Short Term Follow-Up among HCV Patients at Kafer El-Shekh Liver and Heart Institute,SABAH Z. AL-GENDI, MANAL M. MOSTAFA, SHADIA A. SHARAF and MOHAMED A. SHARAF ELDIN
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been found to cause significant morbidity and mortality in tropical settings. Studies of the epidemiology of HCV infections have suggested that the Nile delta region of Egypt has among the highest prevalence rates of HCV in the world, with seroprevalence rates of 30-40% in villagers over the age of 30 years, INF has been shown to be potent antiviral and antitumor agents. INF therapy is associated with significant side effects that include constitu-tional, neuropsychiatric, hematologic and hepatic responses. Dosage and duration of INF treatment appear to be directly affected according to the severity of these side effects.
Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge regarding interferon therapy and short term follow-up of HCV patients at Kafer El Sheikh Liver and heart institute.
Research Design: Descriptive Cohort research design was utilized to achieve the purpose of the study.
Subject and Methods: A total sample of 100 adult male and female patients with HCV virus and treated with interferon from Kafer EL Sheakh liver and heart institute was included in this study according to the following criteria: Adult Con-scious male or female patients who are diagnosed with HCV and receiving interferon therapy once a week, ages range between 20 to 60 year.
Results: Data showed that the majority of the sample has knowledge deficit regarding the disease and its treatment and how to deal with side effect, The majority of sample com-plained from all of the side effects related to interferon.
Conclusion: The study finding revealed that many patients have knowledge deficit related to HCV and its treatment and most of them suffer from many side effects from interferon .So a protocol of teaching should be prepared and in all hepatitis C virus outpatients clinic to increase the level of knowledge and adapt with treatment side effects.