B형간염 바이러스 보유 환자의 질환 활성도에 따른 B형간염 지식, 자가간호수행 및 삶의 질 비교

Purpose: The hepatitis B virus is a major cause of chronic liver disease. The clinical guidelines recommend that inactive chronic hepatitis (ICH) patients also check their liver function every 6 to 12 months and manage the potential risks. This study compared the hepatitis B knowledge, self-care practice, and quality of life in patients with HBV according to the disease activity. Methods: This study was conducted in a university hospital and surveyed on 65 ICH patients and 68 progressive chronic liver disease (PCLD) patients from November in 2012 to September in 2013. Results: The knowledge of hepatitis B was lower in the group of a lately perceived HBV infection and ICH. Self-care practice was lower in the male and the patients group with a perceived HBV infection within 5 years. The “taking regular liver function test” score was lower in the ICH. Eight out of 12 Liver Disease Quality of Life instrument (LDQOL) subscales were lower in PCLD. Conclusion: The hepatitis B knowledge and self-care practice are relatively lacking in ICH and the patients group with a perceived HBV infection within 5 years. More effective education programs will be necessary to enhance the hepatitis B knowledge and self-care for patients with HBV and even for ICH.