Kim et al evaluated Koreans with chronic liver disease and identified factors impacting the quality of life (QOL). The authors are from Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology in the Republic of Korea.
Patient selection: chronic liver disease
Types of liver disease associated with worse quality of life:
(1) chronic viral hepatitis C
(2) advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Factors associated with a better quality of life:
(1) married with spousal support
(2) employed
Factors associated with a worse quality of life:
(1) depression
(2) worse subjective health status (very unhealthy or unhealthy)
(3) basic livelihood security recipient
(4) less than 6 hours of sleep per night
While alcohol intake was not found to have a negative effect on the quality of life, overuse can worsen hepatic function and so should be avoided.
