Prevalence and characteristics of pruritus and association with quality of life in people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study

Pruritus is a common complaint of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and can cause significant morbidity [1]. Chronic pruritus is a multi-faceted symptom that includes physical, psychological, and functional aspects [2]. Therefore, it is critical to assess pruritus in relationship to quality of life (QOL) in PLWHA. Data is limited on the relationship between chronic pruritus and HIV and effect on QOL [3,4]. The prevalence of chronic itch among PLWHA in one report was 45% and associated with decreased QOL [4].

Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - February 4, 2018 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Thomas Xu, Avinash K. Shetty, Sanjeev Badiger, Yiong Huak Chan, Gil Yosipovitch Source Type: research