Quality of Life and Health Utility of Patients With CHB Infections

The aim of the study is to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and preference-based health utilities of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) carriers in different stages of illness. It will also estimate the cost-effectiveness of anti-viral treatments resulting from the prevention of the progression of disease from uncomplicated CHB carriers to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The following hypotheses will be tested: 1. Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) have poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL) than the general population; 2. Patients with more severe stages of chronic HB infections have lower health related quality of life and health utility values; 3. Anti-viral treatment can improve the HRQOL and health utility for patients with CHB infections; 4. The cost-effectiveness of different treatments for chronic HBV infections can be directly compared in terms of cost/QALY gained.