Table 2

Predictors of mental health and psychological adjustment to a diagnosis of HCV infection in a group of previously healthy females (n=66): results of three stepwise multiple regression analyses

Dependent variable	No steps	Independent variable	Beta	Multiple r	Adjusted r²
GHQ30 psychological well being	3	Social functioning	−0.44	0.68	0.46
		Role limitation emotional problems	−0.39	0.81	0.64
		General health perception	−0.23	0.83	0.67
Depression (HAD)	3	Social functioning	−0.55	0.76	0.58
		Role limitation emotional problems	−0.32	0.84	0.69
		Energy/vitality	−0.21	0.86	0.72
Anxiety (HAD)	2	Social functioning	−0.55	0.63	0.39
		Role limitation emotional problems	−0.30	0.70	0.46

Beta is the regression coefficient which expresses the change in the dependent variable that would be produced by a positive increment of one standard deviation in the independent variable concerned. Multiple r is the relationship between the dependent and all independent variables. Adjustedr ² is a modified measure of the coefficient of determination taking into account the number of predictor variables included in the regression equation.
HCV, hepatitis C virus; GHQ, general health questionnaire; HADS, hospital anxiety and depression scale.