The aim of this study was to research the impact of inpatient rehabilitation on work ability and health-related quality of life factors for healthcare personnel (HP) with chronic hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infection. A prospective evaluation study with three data collection times without an external control group was conducted. HP (n = 163) with an occupational acquired chronic hepatitis B/C infection who participated in an inpatient rehabilitation program were surveyed. Information was collected on work ability (WAI-Work Ability Index), quality of life (SF-36-Short Form-36 Health Survey), and anxiety and depression-related symptoms (HADS-D-Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). The majority of participants had HCV infection. Work ability was poor, improved significantly until the end of treatment, and remained at a moderate level six months later. The SF-36 showed no change in physical health over the study period, the results regarding mental health were in the average range with a significant improvement directly after intervention. The HADS-D results indicate noteworthy anxiety and depression symptoms during the study period. The inpatient rehabilitation program proved to be effective in the short term regarding mental health (SF-36) and WAI. To ensure long lasting positive results, services aimed at enhancing physical and mental health should be provided as early as possible and on a recurring basis.
Keywords: chronic hepatitis; inpatient rehabilitation; mental health; occupational disease; quality of life; work ability.