Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Hepatitis B Virus Carriers in Iranian Charity for Hepatic Patients Support (December 2004-August 2005)

authors:

avatar Nasser Ebrahimi Daryani 1 , * , avatar Mohammad Bashahsati 2 , avatar Mehdi Karbalaeian 3 , avatar Mohammad Reza Keramati 3 , avatar Narges Ebrahimi Daryani 3 , avatar Amir-Abbas Shadman Yazdi 3

Department of Gastroenterology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, nebrahim@sina.tums.ac.ir, Tehran, IR.Iran
Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Canada
Department of Gastroenterology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR.Iran
Hepatitis Monthly: Vol.8, issue 3; 201-205
article type: Research Article
received: April 2, 2008
accepted: July 22, 2008

how to cite: Daryani N, Bashahsati M, Karbalaeian M, Keramati M, Daryani N, et al. Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Hepatitis B Virus Carriers in Iranian Charity for Hepatic Patients Support (December 2004-August 2005). Hepat Mon. 2008;8(3): 201-205. 

Abstract

Background and Aims: More than 35% of Iranians have been exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and almost 3% are chronic carriers. Knowledge of HBV-related diseases and its chronicity, and insufficient knowledge about the transmission routes are predisposing factors for occurrence of psychological disorders among these patients.

Methods: Self-administered CHQ28 questionnaire was used to find the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among 100 HBV carriers.

Results: We found depression in 30%, anxiety in 6%, functional impairment in 6%, and somatic abnormalities in 8% of HBV carriers. 36 patients had at least one psychiatric disorder.

Conclusions: The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among HBV carriers is higher than that of community. Psychiatric consultation after screening along with continuous education of patients and their families may improve this condition. Physical, psychological, spiritual and social support to HBV carriers is therefore of paramount importance.

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