Study of disease burden of chronic hepatitis B and C patients in Shanghai based on Bronfenbrenner' s ecological systems theory: a community-based survey

Abstract

Objective: To systemically analyze family burden, quality of life of chronic hepatitis B and C patients in Shanghai and related influencing factors. Methods: A representative sample of chronic hepatitis patients (n=1 478) and their family members (n=1 478) was randomly selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling from 30 communities in 10 districts of Shanghai. One patient and one family member of each family were interviewed using different questionnaires to collect related information. Based on Bronfenbrenner' s ecological systems, psychological measurement, two-level random intercept model and multivariable structural equation model were applied to determine the effects and directions of the factors between life quality of chronic hepatitis patients and family burden. Results: The mean score of quality of life of chronic hepatitis patients in Shanghai was 78.70 ± 13.25, the score of " specific module" was highest and the score of " social function" was lowest. Additionally, the mean score of burden reported by the family members was 12.62±10.74, the score of " financial burden" was highest, and the score of " effect on family member' s health" was lowest. Multivariable structural equation model indicated that eight factors were related with life quality and family burden of patients with chronic hepatitis. Among them, HCV infection, elevated serum alanine aminotransferase level, average monthly cost for patient >3 000 yuan (RMB) and poor health of family members were the direct risk factors for the life quality of the patients as well as family burden. The factor of drinking more than once a week influenced the patients' life quality directly and family burden indirectly. On the contrary, the factors of local household registration, hospitalization and family member's indifferent attitude to hepatitis B vaccination influenced the family burden of the chronic hepatitis patients directly and the life quality of the patients indirectly. Conclusion: The findings could be used in the development of community based management and intervention of chronic hepatitis patients in Shanghai.