Effect of habit reversal training on the quality of life of patients with senile pruritus

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of habit reversal training (HRT) on the quality of life of patients with senile pruritus (SP) Methods A total of 60 patients with SP were selected from the dermatology department of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Using random number table method, the patients were divided into two groups, namely 30 patients in each group. Two groups of patients were treated with antihistamines and anticnesmatic. On this basis, the control group given health guide by holding group health lecture, once a week, about 60min each time, for eight consecutive times. The experimental group adopted the HRT on the basis of the control group, 1 times per week in the first 4 weeks, and once every 2 weeks in the 5th to 12th week, and 30-60 min each time. Before the intervention and 4 weeks,8 weeks and 12 weeks after intervention, the Negative Emotion Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI) were respectively used to evaluate the negative emotion and the sleep quality. Before the intervention and 12 weeks after intervention, the Structured Pruritus Symptom(SPS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI) were respectively used to evaluate the pruritus symptom and the life quality of the patients with SP. Results The scores of Negative Emotion Scale and PSQI in the experimental group at the fourth, eighth and 12th weekends after intervention were lower than those in the control group at the same time, and the difference was statistically significant (the negative emotion: t=0.131, -6.072, -6.884; PSQI: t=-3.972, -5.173, -8.246, P 0.05). Also, after intervention, the total score of the Negative Emotion Scale, PSQI and each item of PSQI in the experimental group at each time point were lower than previous point (Ρ<0.05). The total score of the SPS, DLQI and each item of DLQI in the experimental group were lower than pre-intervention (Z=-4.610, t=15.850, Ρ<0.01). Conclusions HRT could effectively relieve itching symptoms of patients with SP, improve the negative emotion and the sleep quality. It is worthy of further clinical promotion, thus effectively improve the quality of life of the patients with SP. Key words: Quality of life; Habit reversal training; Senile pruritus