The effect of pruritus on sleep and quality of life in patients with cholestasis

Aim: This study aimed to determine the impact of pruritus on sleep quality and overall quality of life in individuals with cholestasis. Material and Methods: This descriptive, correlational study was conducted with patients who were admitted to İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center and followed in the Gastroenterology Clinic due to liver disease accompanied by cholestasis. The sample size was calculated as 208 with a power level of 95% using power analysis, and the study was completed with 210 participants. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, the 5-D Pruritus Scale, the CLDQ 2.0, and the PSQI. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows version 25.0. Results: A statistically significant, positive, and strong correlation was found between pruritus severity and quality of life, indicating that increased pruritus was associated with poorer quality of life. In addition, a statistically significant, positive, and strong correlation was observed between pruritus severity and PSQI scores, demonstrating a deterioration in sleep quality as pruritus increased. Furthermore, PSQI scores showed a statistically significant, positive, and moderate correlation with quality of life. Conclusion: The findings indicate that pruritus in patients with cholestasis has a negative effect on both sleep quality and quality of life. Patients with lower educational and income levels were found to be more adversely affected. Therefore, structured education and counseling interventions provided by nurses, who play a primary role in patient care, may contribute significantly to reducing the negative effects of pruritus on sleep quality and quality of life in patients with cholestasis. Keywords: Pruritus, Cholestasis, Sleep quality, Quality of life