KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS REGARDING THE CARE OF DECOMPENSATED LIVER DISEASE PATIENTS: EVIDENCE FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objective: The main objective of this research was to evaluate how healthcare providers understand and feel about assessing patients who have decompensated liver disease. Materials and Methods: The study took place at the Department of Gastroenterology within Sheikh Zaid Hospital in Lahore between January and July 2025. Non-probability consecutive sampling was used to include patients aged 18–85 years with known decompensated chronic liver disease admitted or presenting to the outpatient department. The researchers gathered information about demographics, together with disease duration and treatment and etiology and medications. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables, while mean ± SD was used for quantitative data. The study used a p-value of <0.05 to determine statistical significance. Results: The study included 106 DCLD patients but CPT score assessment was performed in only 29 (27.4%) patients while 77 (72.6%) patients were admitted without assessment and 80 (75.5%) patients received more than five concurrent medications indicating polypharmacy. The inappropriate use of drugs occurred throughout all categories with beta blockers (62.3%), PPIs (67.9%), rifaximin (62.3%), lactulose (62.3%), opioids (56.6%), and spironolactone (58.5%) being used regardless of CPT score calculation. Conclusion: The proper evaluation and controlled treatment of decompensated liver disease helps to slow disease progression and decrease associated health problems and death rates.

Keywords: Knowledge and Attitude, Healthcare Workers, Decompensated Liver Disease.