Effect of behavioral intervention on scratching behavior in patients with senile pruritus / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the impact of behavioral intervention on scratching behavior of patients with senile pruritus.Methods:One hundred cases of senile pruritus were randomly divided into observation group ( n=50) and control group ( n=50). All subjects received oral antihistamine.The observation group received behavioral intervention based on the trans-theoretical model, and the control group received routine health education.Visual analogue scale (VAS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were used to compare the itching symptoms, sleep quality and quality of life of senile pruritus patients in the two groups. Results:After 6 months intervention, the change of scratching behavior in the observation group((1.96±1.54), (8.83±2.05), (10.46±2.24)) was significantly better than those in the control group((4.68±1.48), (12.89±2.02), (14.62±2.12)), and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). Conclusion:Health intervention based on trans-theoretical model can effectively change scratching behavior, relieve itching symptoms, improve sleep quality and the quality of life of senile pruritus patients.