Effect of education on oral antiviral use on medication adherence and quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a randomised trial.

Abstract

Background: Adherence to oral antiviral therapy is essential to reduce progression from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of education on oral antiviral use on medication adherence and quality of life (QoL) in patients with CHB.

Methods: This randomised controlled trial included 60 of 105 eligible patients with CHB. All completed the study. The intervention, delivered by the researcher, consisted of individualised education and telephone counselling tailored to patients' learning needs and focused on medication adherence. The control group received usual care. Data were collected using the MARS-5, MedTake test, LDSI, SF-12 and PLNS at baseline and 3 months. Data were analysed using SPSS 26.

Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between the groups in medication adherence and laboratory parameters (p > 0.05). Mean baseline PLNS scores were 154.43 ± 3.61 in the control group and 162.63 ± 9.6 in the intervention group. At 3 months, the proportion of patients achieving medication adherence above 80% was significantly higher in the intervention group (p < 0.01). The intervention group showed significant improvements in MARS-5, MedTake Test scores, SF-12 and LDSI scores, with lower HBV-DNA, ALT and AST levels (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Individualised education may improve medication adherence and QoL in patients with CHB.