Exploring Awareness Levels and Health-Related Quality of Life of Hepatitis C Patients in Peshawar: A Community and Clinical Perspective

Abstract

The current study titled “Exploring Awareness Levels and Health-Related Quality of Life of Hepatitis C Patients in Peshawar: A Community and Clinical Perspective” aimed to investigate the factors that create obstacles for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) patients and adversely affect their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), as well as to examine the association between awareness levels and HRQoL. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional research design, data were collected from a representative sample of HCV patients in Peshawar. A scale proposed by researchers was used to accurately measure the HRQoL of HCV patients from Physical, Psychological and Social dimension. At Univariate analysis was conducted using frequency and percentage distributions, while bivariate associations were assessed using Chi-Square (χ²) statistics. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with an Alpha Cronbach internal consistency coefficient of 0.76, indicating acceptable reliability. Findings revealed that a substantial proportion of patients exhibited low awareness regarding HCV transmission, causative factors, and preventive measures, which corresponded with variations in HRQoL outcomes. Specifically, patients with inadequate knowledge of viral transmission, contaminated water exposure, and environmental contributors reported poorer quality of life. Conversely, general awareness regarding the viral nature of HCV or liver-related consequences did not show significant associations with HRQoL, highlighting that specific, practical knowledge plays a more critical role than general disease information. These results underscore the importance of targeted educational interventions to enhance patient knowledge and promote better health outcomes. Based on the study, it is recommended that community and clinical health programs prioritize HCV awareness campaigns, integrate patient counseling on transmission prevention, and provide psychosocial support to mitigate HRQoL deficits. Strengthening patient education through structured workshops, informational materials, and routine counseling could contribute significantly to improving both awareness and overall quality of life among HCV patients in Peshawar.