Effects of Uremic Pruritus on Dermatological and Kidney Disease Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted in order to determine the dermatological and kidney disease quality of life of patients with uremic pruritus receiving hemodialysis treatment. Material and Methods: The present study was a descriptive study. The sample comprised 200 of HD patients. The participants were required to complete patient information form, 5-D-Itch scale, Dermatological Quality of Life Index (DLQI) and Kidney Disease Quality of Life Form (KDQOL-36) were used to collect the data of the study. Results: It was determined that the DLQI score average of the patients with pruritus was 11.57±4.74 and that the dermatological quality of life of 60.6% of the patients was largely or extremely affected. It was revealed that the average KDQOL-36 score of the patients with pruritus was 59.36±12.27, and their kidney disease quality of life was of moderate level. Pruritus severity explained a moderate amount of the variability of DLQL (crude R2 =.181) and KDQOL-36 (crude R2 =.184). Conclusion: It was determined that as the severity of uremic pruritus increased, DLQI and KDQO-36 decreased. Therefore, timely treatment, nursing care and counseling are recommended to monitor level of pruritus, dermatological and general quality of life to improve the quality of life in HD patients.