Health Belief Model-Based Education for Pruritus and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

Ege University104 enrolled

Overview

This study evaluates the effect of a Health Belief Model (HBM)-based educational intervention on pruritus severity and pruritus-related quality of life (QoL) in hemodialysis patients. The cluster-randomized controlled trial includes hemodialysis patients allocated to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group receives two face-to-face HBM-based education sessions at 15-day intervals supported by a structured booklet, while the control group receives standard care. Pruritus outcomes and quality of life are assessed using the 5-D Itch Scale and ItchyQoL to determine the effectiveness of theory-driven educational frameworks in routine nursing care and patient-centered outcomes.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

104

Conditions

Hemodialysis Pruritus

Interventions

The intervention consists of a theory-based educational program focused on chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus symptom management, structured according to the Health Belief Model (HBM). Patients receive two face-to-face education sessions conducted at 15-day intervals, supported by a structured educational booklet. Data collection is performed twice, at baseline and on day 45, using a descriptive information form, the 5-D Itch Scale, and the ItchyQoL scale.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years or older * Diagnosed with end-stage renal disease requiring maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 months * Experienced CKD-associated pruritus during the previous 2 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * Use of antihistamines within the past month * Conditions that could limit participation in the educational intervention

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change from Baseline in Pruritus Severity on the 5-D Itch Scale

The 5-D Itch Scale is used to measure the multidimensional aspects of pruritus (duration, degree, direction, disability, and distribution). Total scores range from 5 (no itch) to 25 (most severe itch), where higher scores indicate greater pruritus severity.

Time frame: Baseline and Day 45

Secondary Outcomes

Change from Baseline in Pruritus-Related Quality of Life on the ItchyQoL Scale

The ItchyQoL scale is a disease-specific instrument used to assess the quality of life in patients with pruritus across symptoms, functioning, and emotions domains. Total scores range from 22 to 110, where higher scores indicate greater impairment in pruritus-related quality of life.