Socioeconomic impact of chronic HBV infection in The Gambia

Studies in high-income settings have shown that HBV infection, particularly the end stages of liver disease; decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, are associated with a significant economic burden and low health-related quality of life (HRQoL), with some patients experiencing catastrophic health expenditure. However, there is no published empirical data on HBV-related direct and indirect costs and HRQoL in sub-Saharan Africa.

The main objectives of this current study are to evaluate the economic burden of HBV-related liver disease in The Gambia and assess the HRQoL of Gambian adults infected with chronic HBV. A better understanding of the socioeconomic impact of HBV is helpful to inform national policy and improve equitable access to care for those infected with HBV. This ancillary study of MATCH-B is supported by an NIHR Imperial BRC grant (Dr Shevanthi Nayagam). The team are in the analysis stage of the project.