Symptom, Adopting Healthy Life Style, and Quality of Life in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have not considered a broad range of symptoms and the association with healthy behavior and quality of life of patients with liver cirrhosis. Objectives: The purposes of the study were to examine the association of symptom with adopting exercise and consuming fruits and vegetables, and to identify factors associated with quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 91 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis in one tertiary general hospital in South Korea between February 2016 and January 2017. Each study participant completed a self-administered questionnaire that measured symptom, stage-of-change in performing exercise and consumption of fruits and vegetables, and the Korean version of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and multiple regression models was used respectively to examine the association of each symptom with engaging in exercise and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables and to evaluate factors affecting quality of life.Results: Experiencing nausea was associated with increased intensity of exercise but experiencing shortness of breath was associated with decreased intensity of exercise. Experiencing right upper quadrant pain was associated with increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and muscle cramps, anorexia, right upper quadrant pain and body pain, itching, ascites or edema, bruising, and change in appearance negatively affected quality of life.Conclusions: The results suggest that the types of symptoms experienced by a patient with liver cirrhosis hinder or promote the patient’s adoption of exercise and dietary behavior. Experiencing symptoms may negatively affect quality of life. Caregivers should provide supportive care to patients with liver cirrhosis, which includes assessing and managing symptoms to improve quality of life.