Sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction in chronic hepatitis C patients

Bruno Cópio Fábregas, Alexandre Sampaio Moura, Renata Eliane de Ávila, Marjore Novaes Faria, Ricardo Andrade Carmo, Antônio Lúcio Teixeira

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and dissatisfaction with sexual life (DSL) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHC) was jointly investigated via a thorough psychopathological analysis, which included dimensions such as fatigue, impulsiveness, psychiatric comorbidity, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: Male and female CHC patients from an outpatient referral center were assessed using the Brief Fatigue Inventory, the Barrat Impulsiveness Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Structured psychiatric interviews were performed according to the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. SD was assessed based on specific items in the BDI (item 21) and the HAM-A (item 12). DSL was assessed based on a specific question in the WHOQOL-BREF (item 21). Multivariate analysis was performed according to an ordinal linear regression model in which SD and DSL were considered as outcome variables. Results: SD was reported by 60 (57.1%) of the patients according to the results of the BDI and by 54 (51.4%) of the patients according to the results of the HAM-A. SD was associated with older age, female gender, viral genotype 2 or 3, interferon-α use, impulsiveness, depressive symptoms, antidepressant and benzodiazepine use, and lower HRQL. DSL was reported by 34 (32.4%) of the patients and was associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, antidepressant use, and lower HRQL. Conclusions: The prevalence of SD and DSL in CHC patients was high and was associated with factors, such as depressive symptoms and antidepressant use. Screening and managing these conditions represent significant steps toward improving medical assistance and the HRQL of CHC patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)564-572
Number of pages9
JournalRevista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
Volume47
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Health-related quality of life
  • Hepatitis C
  • Interferon-α
  • Sexual dissatisfaction
  • Sexual dysfunction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction in chronic hepatitis C patients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this