Objective: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) female patients, and to identify factors associated with impairment in HRQOL.
Methods: We enrolled 41 women cases with hepatitis C for 10 to 15 years and 51 health women in Guan area of Hebei province, China. HRQOL was assessed by the SF-36 by an interview.
Results: CHC female patients had significantly lower SF-36 scors in all subscales when compared to those of the non-HCV infected female population.
Conclusion: CHC female patients have a reduced HRQOL. CHC alone is associated with significant impairment in HRQOL.