The Influence of Pruritus on the Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis at Medan Hajj General Hospital in 2018
Introduction
Chronic kidney failure (GGK) is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the common symptoms experienced by patients with GGK is pruritus, or itching. This condition can be very uncomfortable and has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. In this study, we aim to investigate the relationship between the improvement of the pruritus scale and the decline in the quality of life of GGK patients undergoing hemodialysis at Medan Hajj General Hospital in 2018.
Background
Pruritus is a common symptom experienced by patients with GGK who undergo hemodialysis. This itching sensation can be very annoying, thus encouraging patients to scratch the skin. Not infrequently, this condition causes significant discomfort and has a negative impact on their quality of life. The quality of life of patients with GGK is affected by various factors, including the severity of their symptoms, their physical and emotional well-being, and their ability to perform daily activities.
Research Methods
This study was conducted with a cross-sectional analytic design in August 2018 in the Hemodialysis room of Medan Hajj General Hospital. The sample used in this study amounted to 40 people, selected using the purposive sampling method. Data is collected through a questionnaire consisting of 5-dimensional itching scale and the quality index of Dermatology (DLQI). To analyze the relationship between variables, the Pearson test is used.
Research Result
From the results of the study, the average pruritus scale value was 13.75 and the average quality of life value was 15.20. The results of the analysis show that there is a significant relationship between the pruritus scale and the quality of life with the value of P = 0,0001. This shows that the higher the pruritus level, the lower the quality of life of the patient. The value of the relationship (R) of 0.837 indicates that the relationship between the two variables is quite strong and shows a positive direction.
The Impact of Pruritus on the Quality of Life
The results of this study give a clear picture that pruritus is not only a physical problem for patients with GGK, but also disrupts their psychosocial aspects and quality of life. Continuous itching can affect sleep patterns, daily activities, and patient social interaction. This can cause stress and depression, which in turn will affect the success of treatment and disease management.
The Importance of Pruritus Management
One of the reasons pruritus can occur in patients with GGK is the accumulation of toxic substances that should be released through the kidneys. When the kidneys do not function properly, these substances can cause disorders of the skin, including unbearable itching. For this reason, pruritus management in GGK patients undergoing hemodialysis must be a major concern in their care.
Interventions for Pruritus Management
The importance of paying attention to the symptoms of pruritus and their impact on the quality of life can help medical personnel in providing a more holistic treatment approach. Interventions that can be done include the administration of drugs to reduce itching, as well as psychological therapy to help patients overcome the emotional effects of their conditions.
Conclusion
Overall, there is a significant relationship between the pruritus scale and the quality of life in GGK patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Medan Hajj General Hospital. Effective pruritus handling will contribute to improving the quality of life of patients, so they can undergo better therapy and with a higher level of comfort.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, we recommend that medical personnel pay attention to the symptoms of pruritus and their impact on the quality of life of patients with GGK. Interventions such as the administration of drugs to reduce itching and psychological therapy should be implemented to help patients overcome the emotional effects of their conditions. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the relationship between pruritus and the quality of life of patients with GGK.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single hospital. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between pruritus and the quality of life of patients with GGK in different settings.
Future Research Directions
Future research should focus on investigating the relationship between pruritus and the quality of life of patients with GGK in different settings. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of interventions such as the administration of drugs to reduce itching and psychological therapy in improving the quality of life of patients with GGK.
References
[1] Pruritus in patients with chronic kidney disease: a review of the literature . Journal of Nephrology, 2018; 31(3): 347-355.
[2] The impact of pruritus on the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease . Journal of Renal Care, 2019; 45(2): 73-81.
[3] Pruritus management in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review . Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 2020; 45(2): 147-155.
Appendix
[1] Questionnaire used in the study .
[2] Data analysis results .
[3] Table of results .
Note: The references provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pruritus and Chronic Kidney Failure
Q: What is pruritus?
A: Pruritus, also known as itching, is a common symptom experienced by patients with chronic kidney failure (GGK). It can be very uncomfortable and has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients.
Q: What causes pruritus in patients with GGK?
A: Pruritus can occur in patients with GGK due to the accumulation of toxic substances that should be released through the kidneys. When the kidneys do not function properly, these substances can cause disorders of the skin, including unbearable itching.
Q: How does pruritus affect the quality of life of patients with GGK?
A: Pruritus can affect the quality of life of patients with GGK in several ways. It can cause discomfort, disrupt sleep patterns, and affect daily activities. Additionally, pruritus can lead to stress and depression, which can further affect the success of treatment and disease management.
Q: What are some interventions that can be done to manage pruritus in patients with GGK?
A: Interventions that can be done to manage pruritus in patients with GGK include the administration of drugs to reduce itching, as well as psychological therapy to help patients overcome the emotional effects of their conditions.
Q: Why is pruritus management important in patients with GGK?
A: Pruritus management is important in patients with GGK because it can improve the quality of life of patients. Effective pruritus handling can contribute to better therapy and a higher level of comfort for patients.
Q: What are some ways to prevent pruritus in patients with GGK?
A: Some ways to prevent pruritus in patients with GGK include:
Maintaining good kidney function through regular dialysis
Managing underlying medical conditions that can contribute to pruritus
Avoiding triggers that can cause pruritus, such as certain foods or medications
Practicing good skin care and hygiene
Q: What are some resources available for patients with GGK who are experiencing pruritus?
A: Some resources available for patients with GGK who are experiencing pruritus include:
Healthcare providers who specialize in kidney disease and pruritus management
Support groups for patients with GGK and their families
Online resources and forums for patients with GGK
Medications and treatments that can help manage pruritus
Q: How can patients with GGK and their families cope with pruritus?
A: Patients with GGK and their families can cope with pruritus by:
Staying informed about pruritus and its management
Working with healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan
Practicing good skin care and hygiene
Seeking support from family, friends, and support groups
Q: What are some future research directions for pruritus management in patients with GGK?
A: Some future research directions for pruritus management in patients with GGK include:
Investigating the effectiveness of new treatments and medications for pruritus
Developing more effective interventions for pruritus management
Investigating the relationship between pruritus and other symptoms of GGK
Developing more effective support systems for patients with GGK and their families.
Note: The questions and answers provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.