Research article summary (published 27 Jan 2009):

Alcohol and coffee drinking and smoking habit among subjects with HCV infection.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aims were to estimate among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection the prevalence of alcohol and coffee intake and smoking habit, the reliability of these self-reported data and the possible change of patients' habit after their first contact with a Viral Hepatitis Service. METHODS: 229 patients were initially interviewed personally at the Viral Hepatitis Service and after 6 months they were re-interviewed by phone in regard to their alcohol, coffee drinking and smoking habits. RESULTS: Alcohol drinkers were 55.5% of males and 35.3% of females. Most subjects drank coffee daily, both men (90.0%) and women (84.9%). The proportion of current smokers was higher in males (43.6%) than females (26.9%). We found a fair to good reliability of self-reported data regarding patients' habits, alcohol and coffee intake, and number of cigarettes smoked daily. We observed a statistically significant decrease in alcohol and coffee intake and cigarettes smoked between baseline and follow-up interviews. CONCLUSION: We found a fairly high proportion of HCV-infected patients who regularly drink alcohol and coffee beverages and smoke cigarettes, especially among males. The reliability of self-reported data on these habits seems satisfactory. More decisive action to modify these habits, especially alcohol intake, is required in these patients.

Author information

Author/s: Zani, C (C); Donato, F (F); Chiesa, M (M); Baiguera, C (C); Gelatti, U (U); Covolo, L (L); Antonini, M G (MG); Nasta, P (P); Gatti, F (F); Orizio, G (G); Puoti, M (M);

Affiliation: Department of Experimental and Applied Medicine, Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (Dig Liver Dis), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Aug; vol 41 (issue 8) : pp 599-604

Dates: Created 2009/07/13; Completed 2009/10/02;

PMID: 19185554, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 10/2/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adult Aged Alcohol Drinking - adverse effects Coffee - adverse effects Disease Progression Female Hepatitis C - physiopathology Humans

Humans Italy Life Style Male Middle Aged Questionnaires Smoking - adverse effects Young Adult

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Coffee (0)

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