Restless and endless symptom? Pruritus in patients with liver diseases: A mix method study
Chronic Illness, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1177/17423953261452266
- Journal Name: Chronic Illness
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Liver, multidimensional, nursing, pruritus, quality of life
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Objectives: The study aimed to determine the multidimensional impact of pruritus, to define the impact on quality of life and to identify the experiences of patients with the symptom. Methods: A mixed-methods study with sequential quantitative and qualitative method with 57 patients experiencing pruritus in the hepatology and internal medicine clinics. Results: A pruritus prevalence of 37.7% was found, with a mean score of 19.4 ± 3.4 (0–25) and the daily duration was 18–23 h/day (43.9%). The mean total score of the Liver Disease Symptom Index 2.0 was 66.57 ± 9.13 (0–96). A correlation was found between elevated GGT levels and pruritus. The qualitative content analysis consisted of three main themes: the meaning of pruritus and scratching; impact on quality of life; and ways of coping/dealing with pruritus symptom. Discussion: The study shows that quantitative and qualitative results concurred that pruritus impairs patient's quality of life in regards to sleep, social isolation, daily living activities, and eating habits.