Self-reported generalised pruritus among community-dwelling older adults in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: The ageing skin is more susceptible to pruritic dermatoses, which are associated with adverse psychosocial effects and reduced quality of life among older adults. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the burden of pruritus and factors associated with its presence and severity among older adults recruited to the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research study. Methods: Seven hundred seventy individuals aged 55 years (lower age limit) and above were interviewed as to whether they experienced pruritus during the preceding week and the locations involved if present. The association between generalised pruritus, sleep quality, and major systemic risk factors were explored. Results: 5.97% of respondents reported generalised pruritus. Generalised pruritus was associated with poorer sleep quality, with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score above 6. Mean haemoglobin level was lower in subjects with generalised pruritus (13.14 g/dL) but there was no significant difference in the frequency of generalised pruritus and severe generalized pruritus between subjects with clinically defined anaemia. Also, there were no significant associations between other major systemic risk factors and generalised pruritus in this population-based study. There was no association between generalised pruritus with depression, anxiety or stress. Conclusion: The negative effect of pruritus on sleep quality suggests a possible deleterious effect of pruritus on health and quality of life. Further prospective research on the longer-term effects of pruritus on health status is now warranted.

Prevalence and potential risk factors of chronic pruritus among community middle‐aged and older population in Beijing, China

“…The prevalence among this group population was higher than the peers in other countries. 6,11,15,16 The multivariable regression analysis found an association with gender in the present study. In contrast to previous studies, we found that males suffer higher incidence of chronic pruritus than females.…”

“…The results of our study demonstrated that chronic pruritus (19.48%) among Chinese middle‐aged and older adults was prevalent. The prevalence among this group population was higher than the peers in other countries 6,11,15,16 …”

“…Most studies examined the issue of chronic pruritus among those with specific diseases or certain patient groups. A recent survey indicated a point prevalence of chronic pruritus was around 13.5% among the adult population (aged 18 years old and above), the 12-month-prevalence of chronic pruritus was 16.4%, and the lifetime prevalence was 22.0%. 6 After the age of 40 years, the ageing process of body may begin.…”

Skin health of community-living older people: a scoping review

“…Table S6 (Supplementary material 5) presents details of included studies regarding review question 2. Most studies ( n = 10) described self-reported skin concerns/complaints or symptoms such as pruritus [ 20 , 34 , 40 , 42 , 45 , 65 , 102 – 105 ]. Nine studies reported mortality [ 53 , 63 , 64 , 71 , 77 , 79 , 97 , 98 , 106 ] and seven studies dermatology-related medical visits [ 37 , 42 , 43 , 107 – 109 ] or hospital admissions [ 110 ].…”

“…Reports about burden included self-reported skin symptoms and concerns, quality of life, mortality, service use such as physician consultations (Table S6, Supplementary material 5). Pruritus was self-reported by up to 40.6% [ 20 , 34 , 40 , 42 , 45 , 102 , 104 , 105 , 117 ] (100% in individuals with eczema [ 65 ]). 15% [ 108 ] to 31.9% [ 43 ] of participants visited their General Practitioner because of their skin condition.…”