Evaluation of alcohol use behavior among patients cured through HCV elimination program in Georgia

TL;DR

This study examines how alcohol use affects liver health in patients who have been cured of hepatitis C in Georgia.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into alcohol behavior and liver fibrosis improvement after hepatitis C cure in a real-world setting.

Findings

Most HCV patients abstain from alcohol during treatment but resume drinking after achieving SVR.

Abstaining from alcohol after HCV cure is associated with higher liver fibrosis improvement.

Many patients believe moderate alcohol intake is acceptable with low fibrosis scores.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to understand the role of self-reported drinking behavior on liver health after achieving sustained viral response (SVR) among HCV patients.

The study was conducted in HCV treatment provider clinics in three cities in Georgia: Tbilisi, Batumi, and Telavi. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a questionnaire developed specifically for this study. 9.5% considered themselves heavy drinkers, while 94.2% were aware that heavy alcohol consumption can progress liver fibrosis. During treatment, 97.8% abstained from alcohol, while 76.6% reported resuming drinking after achieving SVR. Additionally, 52.1% believed that moderate alcohol intake is normal for individuals with low fibrosis scores. Liver fibrosis improvement was more prevalent among individuals who abstained from alcohol after HCV diagnosis (85.4% vs. 71.4%, p < 0.01) and after achieving SVR (87.5% vs. 74.7% of those who resumed drinking after achieving SVR, p < 0.02). In conclusion, the majority of HCV patients abstain from alcohol during treatment but resume drinking after achieving SVR. Those who abstain from alcohol intake after HCV cure have a higher chance of liver fibrosis improvement.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-024-06814-8.