| Approximately 4 million people in the United States are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and it is estimated that 36,000 new cases occur each year. Hepatitis C is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, and can result in cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Hepatitis C has been found to be significantly higher in veterans than in the general U.S. population. Veterans merit special consideration when studying HCV because they are a high risk population.; Currently there is no vaccine against the HCV virus and the only medical treatment available at this time is interferon or Interferon in combination with Ribavirin. In addition to physical side effects, such as fatigue and other flu-like symptoms, Interferon can produce severe side effects in the central nervous system resulting in depression, anxiety, hyposomnia, and organic personality change. The psychiatric side effects are a major treatment concern because they are the most common reasons reported for discontinuing Interferon treatment.; Adherence to healthcare regimens is a critical issue for the healthcare system and treatment recipients. Patients with chronic health conditions are particularly at risk for non-adherence.; Studies have shown that support groups increase adherence to medical treatment and buffer the adverse physical and psychological impact of disease. This study used a randomized, controlled design to assess the relationship of support group participation on depression and adherence in veterans with HCV undergoing Interferon therapy. Participants completed assessments at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after Interferon treatment was initiated.; The results of this preliminary study are promising. Although the results were not statistically significant, they suggest that attending four or more support group sessions improved scores on a self-rating measure of depression. In addition, participants in the support group intervention had higher rates of adherence. More research is needed on support group interventions for HCV patients. |
