Patients with HCV face numerous emotional and psychosocial stressors that have a significant effect on their well-being. Aim: The aim of the present study was to study the correlation between level of liver enzymes and psychological distress (depression and anxiety) among patients with hepatitis C virus. Design: A descriptive correlational design was used to achieve the aim of the study. Setting: The study was carried out on the Hebatological Ward and Medical Ward at Benha University Hospital, which is affiliated to the Ministry of Health. Subject: A convenience sample of 100 patients with hepatitis C virus was selected from the above setting. Tools: Two tools were used. Tool 1- structured interview questionnaire that was used to collect data about socio demographic and clinical characteristics of the studied subjects. Tool 2- Hospital anxiety and depression scale that was used to measure anxiety and depression among the studied sample. Result: The study revealed that more than three quarters of the patients had severe anxiety, and nearly half of the patients had moderate depression. There was a significant positive correlation between (ALT) and both anxiety and depression, and there was a positive significant correlation between (AST) and both depression and anxiety. Conclusions: There was a positive significant correlation between level of liver enzymes and psychological distress (depression and anxiety) among patients with hepatitis C virus. Recommendations: Stress management and assertiveness training program should be given to those patients to relive their psychological problems, normalize level of liver enzymes and enhance their coping pattern. |
