Health Related Quality of Life in Cirrhotic Patients: A Randomized Control Trial

Background and Aim: The term "health-related quality of life" (HRQoL) refers to how people perceive how disease and treatment affect their physical health, emotional health, functional status, and social standing. Beyond clinical endpoints, HRQoL is crucial. Therefore, the current study assessed the impact of patient counselling and education on cirrhosis patients' overall quality of life. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in the Gastroenterology Department, and patient data from October 2022 with a three-month follow-up were included. The selection process included patients visiting the outpatient department who were 18 years of age and had a confirmed diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. The patient was split into case and control groups using the envelope method. Case group received patient education and counselling, and CLDQ was used in relation to HRQoL. Results: A total of 60 patients with a mean age of 54.70±12.902 were included in the study. The majority of the participants were male [81.6% (n,49)]. Out of 60, 40 and 20 had compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, respectively. In terms of baseline, the case group did not differ significantly from the control group. Following up, the case group demonstrated significant improvements in emotional and worry domains of the CLDQ in both compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis, however, displayed a significant decline in the CLDQ's domain of systemic symptoms. On follow up, compared to the baseline, the control group's showed significant decrease in emotional domain of CLDQ domain. Following the intervention, the case group outperformed the control group significantly in the emotional and worry domain of the CLDQ, but not significantly in the CTP and MELD scores. Conclusion: Patient education and counselling has a beneficial effect on emotional and worry domain of the CLDQ. Effort should dedicate to encourage patient education via leaflet or video and patients counselling.