Factors affecting the lifespan of patients with viral hepatitis B and C in territories with low population density

The study was carried out to identify factors affecting the life expectancy of patients with viral hepatitis in areas with low population density. Methods . Medical records of 30 patients died from viral hepatitis B and/or C in Kamchatskiy kray were studied retrospectively. Life expectancy (LE) from disease detection to lethal outcome was assessed. R-statistics was used to identify factors associated with LE. Results . The median life expectancy of these patients is associated with non-modifiable factors: gender (women – 9 years, men – 3 years) and type of virus (HBV – 13 years, HCV– 5 years, B+C coinfection – 3 years), as well as modifiable factors: alcohol consumption during treatment (for those who drank alcohol – 3 years, for those who did not drink – 9 years), antiviral therapy (for those who received treatment – 12 years, those who did not – 2 years). Conclusion . Measures to provide antiviral treatment and to prevent alcohol use for patients with viral hepatitis C should be prioritized in areas with low population densities.