Health Belief Model-Based Education for Pruritus and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

The Effect of Education Given Based on Health Belief Model on Itch Symptom Management and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

This study evaluates the effect of a Health Belief Model (HBM)-based educational intervention on pruritus severity and pruritus-related quality of life (QoL) in hemodialysis patients. The cluster-randomized controlled trial includes hemodialysis patients allocated to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group receives two face-to-face HBM-based education sessions at 15-day intervals supported by a structured booklet, while the control group receives standard care. Pruritus outcomes and quality of life are assessed using the 5-D Itch Scale and ItchyQoL to determine the effectiveness of theory-driven educational frameworks in routine nursing care and patient-centered outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 years or older
• Diagnosed with end-stage renal disease requiring maintenance hemodialysis for at least 3 months
• Experienced CKD-associated pruritus during the previous 2 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of antihistamines within the past month
• Conditions that could limit participation in the educational intervention