Evaluation of the quality of life people infected with HCV – proposed research instruments

Abstract

I n t r o d u c t i o n. HCV is an important medical and social problem in Poland and worldwide.

O b j e c t i ve. Presentation of the instruments for investigating quality of life of patients diagnosed with hepatitis C. 

R e s u l t s: The World Health Organization Quality Life Assessment Questionnaire (WHOQOL) evaluates the dimensions of the quality of life: physical, psychological, spiritual, independence, social relations, and the patient’s environment. The WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire assesses the quality of a patient’s life within four spheres: physical, psychological, social and environmental. The following questionnaires may also be used: the Hepatitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (HQLQv2), the Chronic Liver Dise­ase Questionnaire (CLDQ), and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire — Hepatitis C (CLDQ–HCV). For the assessment of coping with the disease, the KMORSZCH scale may be applied (Brief Method of Assessment of Coping with Disease). The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) allows the evaluation of patient’s functioning in daily life. The Health Behaviour Inventory (IZZ) may be an instrument for evaluation of the level of health behaviours. For assessment of health dimensions in the bio-psych-social sphere the List of Health Criteria (LKZ) may be used. Expectations of patients infected with HCV from a general practitioner may be assessed by the Patient Request Form (PRF). The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) allows the assessment of the level of satisfaction with life. The degree of acceptance of the disease may be evaluated by the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), whereas the sense of health control may be evaluated by the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC).

C o n c l u s i o n s. The presented instruments for evaluation of the quality of life of patients with hepatitis C will enable researchers the recognition of specific aspects of functioning of these patients in the bio-psycho-social sphere.