Background: Chronic liver diseases are among the most prevalent in the world and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The growing prevalence of chronic liver disease in developing countries has led to increased focus on health-related quality of life, which includes not only patients’ physical well-being, but also their emotional and social well-being.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and quality of life among chronic liver disease patients in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Method: Using a cross sectional design, the study assessed 102 chronic liver disease patients from two hospitals using the Quality of Life Short Form 36 Indonesian version and the Indonesian version of the Chronic Disease Self-efficacy Scales.

Results: Most of the participants had moderate self-efficacy (58.8%), with the second-largest group scoring high on self-efficacy (38.2%). Quality of life among the liver patients was comparatively low (M SD: physical, 42.4  18.33; mental, 48.44  17.19). Univariate analysis found that age, educational background, marital status and self-efficacy were significantly associated with quality of life.

Conclusion: After hirearchical regression, self-efficacy was the best predictor of quality of life among chronic liver disease patients. Higher self-efficacy meant better quality of life among chronic liver disease patients.

Key words: chronic liver disease, self-efficacy, quality of life, Indonesia