Effect of Pruritus on Sleep Quality in Individuals Undergoing Hemodialysis Effect of Pruritus on Sleep Quality

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate uremic pruritus levels and sleep quality in individuals undergoing hemodialysis treatment and to determine the relationship between variables. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 219 patients who underwent hemodialysis in State Hospital, University Hospital hemodialysis units and a private dialysis center and met the study criteria. Research data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, 5-D Pruritus Scale and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. In the analysis of the data, Kruskal-Wallis T test, Perason correlation analysis were used. Results: In the study, the 5-D Pruritus Scale mean score of the patients was 12.70 +/- 3.35 points, and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index score was 12.82 +/- 2.42. A positive, moderately significant (r=.509, p<0.05) relationship was found between the mean scores of the two scales. It was determined that patients with unbearable itching, who defined itching prognosis as bad, stated that itching affected their daily activities and experienced widespread itching had worse sleep quality (p<0.05). Conclusions: Patients undergoing hemodialysis experience moderate itching and their sleep quality is generally poor. However, there is a moderate relationship between itching and sleep quality.