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

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 theywere re-interviewed by phone in regard to their alcohol, coffee drinking and smoking habits.
Results: Alcohol drinkerswere 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.