Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Community Medicine

Chronic liver disease is one of the most prevalent diseases in Egypt; the most prevalent cause is chronic hepatitis c infection. Malnutrition is highly prevalent among HCPs, and improving the nutritional status of those patients was found by research to prevent complications and improve the disease outcome. This study aimed to improve the nutritional services provided for HCPs attending the NIOHC. It took place in the NIOHC over a year and half (from March 2014 to September 2015). Nutritional services provided to HCPs were assessed using many integrating tools. HCPs attending for follow up care (100 patients) were interviewed using exit interview questionnaire, their actual practice was investigated using 24 hour food recall intake, Activities in the NIOHC were analyzed and all the health care providers working in the NIOHC at the time of the study were deeply interviewed. Opportunities for improvement were pointed out, feasible opportunities were implemented and a policy brief was introduced to the National Nutrition Institute for the long term opportunities. Improving the nutritional services provided for hepatitis c patients involves improvement of the monitoring and control of all aspects of the service assessment, health education and nutrition supplementation provided for them

Issued also as CD