The hepatitis C self-management programme: a randomized controlled trial

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The hepatitis C self-management programme: a randomized controlled trial

Journal of Viral Hepatitis, 04/12/2011

Groessl EJ et al. – Attending the self–management programme improved disease

knowledge and health–related quality of life 6 weeks later in the population

under study. The intervention can improve the health of people with hepatitis C,

independent of antiviral therapy. Methods

132 patients with VA with hepatitis C (HCV) (mean age of 54.6, 95% men, 41%

ethnic minority, 83% unmarried, 72% unemployed/disabled, 48% homeless in last 5

years) were randomized to either a 6–week self–management workshop or an

information–only intervention.

The weekly 2–h self–management sessions were based on cognitive–behavioural

principles and were adapted from an existing self–management programme that has

been efficacious with other chronic diseases.

HCV–specific modules were added.

Outcomes including health–related quality of life (HRQOL), HCV knowledge,

self–efficacy, depression, energy and health distress were measured at baseline

and 6 weeks later.

Data were analysed using ANOVA.

Results

When compared to the information–only group, participants attending the

self–management workshop improved more on HCV knowledge (P<0.001), HCV

self–efficacy (P=0.011), and SF–36 energy/vitality (P=0.040).

Similar trends were found for SF–36 physical functioning (P=0.055) and health

distress (P=0.055).

Attending the self–management programme improved disease knowledge and HRQOL 6

weeks later in this disadvantaged population.