Longitudinal Assessment of Metabolic Syndrome and Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) Treatment Adherence in Hepatitis C Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic hepatitis C is commonly associated with metabolic abnormalities that can influence adherence to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. This paper discussed the relationship between metabolic syndrome risk and compliance with DAA for 6 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal observational study was conducted among 402 patients with chronic hepatitis C taking DAA. Metabolic risk was measured using the Metabolic Screening Questionnaire (MSQ), and treatment adherence was measured at baseline, 3 months and 6 months using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis tests and repeated-measures ANOVA were used as statistical tests. RESULTS: Adherence at baseline (ρ = 0.28, p < 0.001), after 3 months (ρ = 0.22, p < 0.001), and after 6 months (ρ = 0.26, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with metabolic risk in a negative direction. Women adhered more than men (U = 16,950, p = 0.002), and men were more at risk of metabolism (U = 17,250, p = 0.008). MSQ (χ2 = 12.84, p = 0.012) and MMAS-8 (χ2 = 10.92, p =  0.028) differed in terms of age. Compliance at baseline (12.74) was compared with that at 6 months (13.62; F = 21.67, p < 0.001), and with metabolic risk being a significant mediator (F = 7.18, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Reduced treatment adherence to DAA therapy is closely associated with increased metabolic risk. Implementing metabolic risk management into standard care can enhance adherence and treatment outcomes among patients with hepatitis C.