Marital adjustment and quality of life in chronic hepatitis

The mutual relations between Quality Of Life(QOL) and Marital Adjustment(MA) is well documented in general population and in patients with specific types of chronic illness. However, there is no evidence in this regard in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. This study was conducted to assess the correlation between Health-Related QOL (HR-QOL) and marital adjustment in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

Seventy-six (76) patients with chronic viral hepatitis type B (N = 63) or C (N = 13) who were referred to Tehran Hepatitis Center(THC) at summer 2007 were consequtively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographic data (age, sex, marital status and level of education) as well as illness- related data (the type of viral agent, illness duration, treatment history and history of cirrhosis co-morbidity) were collected. The 36-item short-form of HR-QOL questionnaire (HR-QOL-SF36) and Dyadic Adjustment Scale Revised form (DAS-R) were then administered to respectively assess QOL and MA.

Mean scores of many HR-QOL-SF sub domains such as role limitation due to physical problems, body pain, social functioning, general mental health, vitality and physical health were correlated with mean DAS-R total score, as well as all its subscores but marital cohesion. Domain scores of role limitation due to emotional problems and general health perception were correlated with total DAS-R score and two of its subscores(marital satisfaction and affection expression). Total HR-QOL-SF36 mean score was correlated with mean DAS-R total score and two of its subscores (consensus with spouse and affection expression). The mean score of physical functioning domain of HR-QOL-SF36 was not correlated with any of the DAS-R subscores.

Considering the correlation between HR-QOL and different aspects of MA, family seems to play an important role in the life of patients with chronic viral hepatitis. So, psychological and psychiatric consultations for improving marital adjustment should be focused as a part of approach to these patients. Keywords : Marital relationship, Health-Related Quality Of Life, Chronic Viral Hepatitis.