# 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.

## Key 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.