The Effect of Ostrich Oil as a Complementary Medicine on the Severity of Pruritus and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction: Pruritus is one of the most common problems in a uremic syndrome that reduces the quality of life due to the constant unpleasant feeling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ostrich oil massage on the severity of pruritus and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Methods: In this study, 68 hemodialysis patients with pruritus were selected based on the available sampling method. The intervention group used 1 mL ostrich oil on the pruritus area for 10 min each night for 1 month. The control group received a placebo massage. Pruritus severity questionnaire-based itch severity scale and quality of life questionnaire were completed, respectively, at the end of each week and at the end of the period. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 23 and applying on independent t test, paired t test, and analysis of covariance. Results: During the first and second weeks after the treatment, there was no statistical difference between the mean scores of pruritus severity in both groups (p > 0.05); however, in the third and fourth weeks after the treatment, the mean severity level of pruritus in the ostrich oil group was lower than in the placebo group, and these differences were statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in quality of life between two groups of ostrich and placebo. Conclusion: The use of ostrich oil was effective in reducing pruritus in hemodialysis patients. This method can be proposed as a complementary method for relieving pruritus in hemodialysis patients.

Automated summary

The study found that the use of ostrich oil significantly reduced pruritus severity in hemodialysis patients after 3-4 weeks of treatment. However, there was no significant impact on the quality of life between the ostrich oil group and the placebo group.