Effect of family caregiver's involvement in educational program on health status of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an emerging problem worldwide, which diagnosis profound impact on patient and the caregiver well-being. This study assessed health status of patients with chronic HCV, and evaluated the effect of close family member (caregiver) involvement in the educational program on patients' health status. A purposeful sample of seventy two chronic HCV patients (40 males and 32 females) from out-patient clinic of the National Liver Institute free from other medical disorders with ages ranged from 27-62 years, were divided into two equal groups, GI: attended the teaching sessions alone and GII attended accompanying the family caregiver. Four tools were used; a structured interview questionnaire included subject's demographic and clinical data, 36- short form health survey questionnaire, life satisfaction profile and the educational program which included pre/post-tests. Data were collected through three phases, pre assessment phase, implementation phase and evaluation phase. The results revealed no significant differences between the two groups regarding demographic and clinical characteristics (P > 0.05), and a significant improvement in subject's knowledge post program implementation. HCV patients had declined health status. Patients' health education gave a positive effect on improving their general health. Involvement of family member in the teaching sessions had a highly significant effect on patients' health status and their life satisfaction (P < 0.001).