Hastaların Yanık Sonrası Kaşıntı Deneyiminin Yaşam Kalitesine Etkisinin Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the validity and reliability of the scale that was developed for pruritus occurring during the recovery period after burns, to determine the experiences of patients with pruritus, and to evaluate the effect of it on the quality of life of the patient. The study was conducted in two steps. The first step of the study was conducted with a methodological method to test the Turkish validity and reliability of the “12-Item Pruritus Severity Scale”, which was developed to evaluate the severity of pruritus and its effects on the patient. In the second step, the effect of pruritus on the quality of life and the experiences of the patient with pruritus were evaluated by using the mixed research method. The sampling of the study was created with the patients who applied to Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital because of burns and experienced post-burn pruritus between 01/09/2018-01/01/2021. A total of 120 patients were included in the first step of the study and 120 patients in the second step. Detailed individual interviews were conducted with 11 of 120 patients who were taken to the second step. The study data were collected with the Patient Identification Form, the Pruritus Information Collection Form, the Visual Analog Scale, the 12-Item Pruritus Severity Scale, the Burn-Specific Health Scale, and the Semi-Structured Interview Form. The internal consistency reliability coefficient of the “12-Item Pruritus Intensity Scale” was found to be 0.79, and it was determined to be a “reliable” measurement tool in evaluating the pruritus in the post-burn period. It was also determined that the individuals who were included in the study experienced mild-to-severe pruritus (3.00-19.00), the average scores indicated a moderate pruritus level (8.91±3.90), and the mean quality of life score was 0.71±0.16. In the present study, it was found that the duration of hospitalization, burn depth, burn width, burnt body area, and the presence of graft were effective on the severity of pruritus that was experienced by the patients, and the difference between the groups in terms of pruritus severity was significant (p<0.05). In detailed interviews, it was found that burn patients had difficulties in coping with pruritus, which had an effect on the daily life and family life of the patient along with physical and mental effects, and the patient had experiences regarding the treatment of pruritus. In conclusion, the findings of the present study showed that pruritus is perceived as an intolerable symptom by the patients as its severity, distribution, and persistence increase, and that pruritus is an important factor reducing the quality of life in burn patients. It is recommended to train healthcare professionals about the importance and negative effects of pruritus after burns, use assessment scales for pruritus in the evaluation of hospitalized patients, and establish protocols for the improvement of the treatment of pruritus after burns.