Research on the effects of adequate vegetables and fruits on the improvement of senile pruritus of elderly people in hospital / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective The purpose of this study is to help long term in-patients with senile pruritus choose the appropriate die and further relieve pruritus and improve the quality of life. Methods Totally 37 cases of elderly people with senile pruritus were selected as the observation group who were in community health service center from June 2015 to February 2016. The control group was selected from a welfare hospital. Both of the two groups were evaluated by the degree and the area of pruritus. The control group followed the original diet. The observation group was given enough fruits and vegetables. After six months intervention, the evaluation of the degree and area of pruritus, the rate of skin infections etc were constructed. Results After 6-month intervention, the cases of severe pruritus, skin infection, mini nutritional assessment no less than 24, the constipation, and patients without depression by the Depression Rating Scale in the observation group were 10.81%(4/37), 5.41%(2/37), 64.86%(24/37), 13.51%(5/37), 89.19%(33/37). The cases of the control group were 67.57%(25/37), 43.24%(16/37), 24.32%(9/37), 91.89%(34/37), 43.24%(16/37). According to the two groups, the differences were statistically significant (χ2=12.31-45.59;P<0.05 or 0.01) . The percentage of skin itching area in the observation group was 13.00%(0, 32.25%), the differences were statistically significant from that in the control group, 32.00%(22.00%, 50.50%) (Z=29.53, P<0.01). Conclusions Ensuring enough intake of fruits and vegetables can reduce the morbidity of senile pruritus in long-term in-patients and further improve the quality of life.