Biopsychosocial predictors of fatigue in chronic hepatitis C

Hilsabeck, Robin C.; Hassanein, Tarek I.; Perry, William

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2004.07.003

« Previous Next »Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 58, Issue 2 , Pages 173-178, February 2005

Biopsychosocial predictors of fatigue in chronic hepatitis C

Robin C. Hilsabeck
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, STOP 8321, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
- Corresponding author. Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, STOP 8321, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States. Tel.: +1 806 743 4999x289; fax: +1 806 743 1147
Tarek I. Hassanein
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
William Perry
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States

Received 28 May 2003; accepted 7 July 2004.

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of biopsychosocial variables to fatigue in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with the goal of identifying areas of possible intervention.

Method

Ninety-four patients with CHC not on antiviral therapy completed a demographic questionnaire and measures of fatigue, health-related quality of life, and depression. Fibrosis stage and relevant medical information were obtained from medical records.

Results

A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the most significant predictor of fatigue was poor social functioning, followed by poor physical functioning, greater depression, and female gender. Together, these variables accounted for 68% of the total variance in fatigue.

Discussion

Study findings suggest that treatment strategies for fatigue in patients with CHC should focus on increasing social functioning in addition to improving physical functioning and decreasing depressive symptoms. Research investigating the effectiveness of interventions targeting social functioning, such as support groups and supportive counseling, is recommended.

Keywords: Chronic illness, Depression, Fatigue, Gender differences, Hepatitis C, Social support