I have read this study, Association of exercise participation levels with cardiometabolic health and quality of life in individuals with hepatitis C [1], with great interest but would like to bring forth a few points to the notice of the readers.
This study mentions that the patients currently on hepatitis C (HCV) treatment were excluded from being a part of the study.[1] The HCV treatment has lots of psychological and social consequences. In one study, almost 84.5% of the study participants reported one or the other form of psychiatric problem while on treatment.[2] Since this study shows improved mental health (in terms of psychological outlook and social interaction scoring) for those who were physically active [1], there is a need to consider the association of exercise with quality of life for those individuals who are taking HCV treatment as they bear most of the burden of mental issues. If exercise improves the Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in such a population then this will further encourage the practitioners to integrate exercise with HCV treatment in order to improve HRQoL. It also points towards the need of a multidisciplinary approach when treating HCV.
Fatigue is one of the cardinal symptoms associated with HCV.[3] There can be a number of reasons for fatigue: interferon-based therapy, HCV infection itself, psychological reaction to knowledge of the diagnosis, presence of chronic liver disease. The physiological cha...
I have read this study, Association of exercise participation levels with cardiometabolic health and quality of life in individuals with hepatitis C [1], with great interest but would like to bring forth a few points to the notice of the readers.
This study mentions that the patients currently on hepatitis C (HCV) treatment were excluded from being a part of the study.[1] The HCV treatment has lots of psychological and social consequences. In one study, almost 84.5% of the study participants reported one or the other form of psychiatric problem while on treatment.[2] Since this study shows improved mental health (in terms of psychological outlook and social interaction scoring) for those who were physically active [1], there is a need to consider the association of exercise with quality of life for those individuals who are taking HCV treatment as they bear most of the burden of mental issues. If exercise improves the Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in such a population then this will further encourage the practitioners to integrate exercise with HCV treatment in order to improve HRQoL. It also points towards the need of a multidisciplinary approach when treating HCV.
Fatigue is one of the cardinal symptoms associated with HCV.[3] There can be a number of reasons for fatigue: interferon-based therapy, HCV infection itself, psychological reaction to knowledge of the diagnosis, presence of chronic liver disease. The physiological changes that occur in the body after exercise can make people with HCV feel better and improve the quality of life. Unless contraindicated, current research indicates that regular activity can be safely incorporated into the routine of persons with chronic HCV and other chronic illnesses. Apart from medication prescription, exercise prescription should be included in HCV treatment plans for better outcomes.[4]
References
[1] K. Hallsworth et al., “Association of exercise participation levels with cardiometabolic health and quality of life in individuals with hepatitis C,” BMJ Open Gastroenterol., vol. 8, no. 1, p. e000591, Mar. 2021, doi: 10.1136/bmjgast-2020-000591.
[2] M. M. Manos, C. K. Ho, R. C. Murphy, and V. A. Shvachko, “Physical, Social, and Psychological Consequences of Treatment for Hepatitis C,” The patient, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 23–34, 2013, doi: 10.1007/s40271-013-0005-4.
[3] M. Glacken, V. Coates, G. Kernohan, and J. Hegarty, “The experience of fatigue for people living with hepatitis C,” J. Clin. Nurs., vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 244–252, Mar. 2003, doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2702.2003.00709.x.
[4] M. A. Gapinski and D. M. Zucker, “Factors influencing the development of a hepatitis C exercise protocol: a literature review,” Gastroenterol. Nurs. Off. J. Soc. Gastroenterol. Nurses Assoc., vol. 28, no. 3 Suppl, pp. S10-18, Jun. 2005, doi: 10.1097/00001610-200505001-00003.
Dear Editor,
I have read this study, Association of exercise participation levels with cardiometabolic health and quality of life in individuals with hepatitis C [1], with great interest but would like to bring forth a few points to the notice of the readers.
This study mentions that the patients currently on hepatitis C (HCV) treatment were excluded from being a part of the study.[1] The HCV treatment has lots of psychological and social consequences. In one study, almost 84.5% of the study participants reported one or the other form of psychiatric problem while on treatment.[2] Since this study shows improved mental health (in terms of psychological outlook and social interaction scoring) for those who were physically active [1], there is a need to consider the association of exercise with quality of life for those individuals who are taking HCV treatment as they bear most of the burden of mental issues. If exercise improves the Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in such a population then this will further encourage the practitioners to integrate exercise with HCV treatment in order to improve HRQoL. It also points towards the need of a multidisciplinary approach when treating HCV.
Fatigue is one of the cardinal symptoms associated with HCV.[3] There can be a number of reasons for fatigue: interferon-based therapy, HCV infection itself, psychological reaction to knowledge of the diagnosis, presence of chronic liver disease. The physiological cha...
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