Effect of Topically Applied Olive Oil on Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients: Pretest-posttest Model With Control Group

Summary

Pruritus is one of the common symptoms and complaints in hemodialysis patients. The studies reviewed demonstrated that a number of nonpharmacological interventions are effective in relieving pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Among these interventions, moisturizers were found to be highly effective. This clinical trial study was planned considering that the moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil, which will help relieve skin dryness and inflammation that play a role in the pathogenesis of itching, will be effective in solving the itching problem.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of topically applied olive oil on pruritus in hemodialysis patients.

Research Hypotheses:

H0: Topically applied olive oil has no effect on pruritus in hemodialysis patients.

H1: Topically applied olive oil has an effect on pruritus in hemodialysis patients.

Research Type:

The study was planned to be conducted as an experimental study with a pre-test and post-test control group.

Method: The research will be carried out as an experimental study with pre-test and post-test control groups at the KSÜ Health Practice and Research Hospital Hemodialysis Unit and the Turkish Kidney Foundation KSÜ Dialysis Center between 03/02/2025-01/04/2025, the universe will be hemodialysis patients receiving treatment at the hemodialysis unit of the relevant hospital, the sample will consist of a total of 68 patients, 34 experimental and 34 control groups, as a result of power analysis. Data collection tools: Personal Information Form, 5-D Itch Scale, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Blood values. In the experimental group, olive oil will be applied to the itchy areas of the patients by the researcher on the days they come for hemodialysis, 3 days a week for 2 weeks. Patients will apply olive oil to themselves at home on the days they do not come to dialysis. Pre-test data will be collected from both groups in the first interview. Subsequently, VAS scores of the experimental group will be taken before and after each application. No application will be made to the control group and VAS scores will be taken on the day they come to dialysis. Post-test data will be collected from patients in the experimental and control groups at the end of 2 weeks using the 5-D Itch Scale.

Originality: The absence of any experimental study in the literature using pure olive oil in the management of itching in hemodialysis patients constitutes the strength and originality of the study.

Expected results: Topical olive oil application is expected to be effective in reducing frequent itching complaints in hemodialysis patients.

Conditions

• Hemodialysis Patients
• Pruritus

Interventions

OTHER

APPLYING TOPICAL OLIVE OIL

1. Preparation phase: Before the application, hand hygiene will be provided, materials will be prepared, and the application will be carried out wearing gloves. The patient bed will be prepared, a stretcher cover and a bed protector will be laid. A screen will be used for patient privacy and only the areas to be applied will be opened in order. Itchy areas will be identified. Before starting the application, olive oil will be tested by applying it to a small area on the inside of the patient's arm in case of any allergic reaction. 2. Application of olive oil: 3 drops of olive oil will be dropped on the itchy areas (excluding the scalp and private areas) for every 25 cm square area and gently spread over the area for 30-60 seconds. Since there is a 5-7 minute absorption period from the skin, the area will be kept open and then a VAS score will be taken. 3. After the application: The procedure will be marked on the patient follow-up form.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

  collaborator OTHER

• Inonu University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Weeks

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-01-27

Primary Completion

2025-02-16

Completion

2025-07-15

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations