Perceived stress level and methods of coping with stress in patients with chronic itching

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the stress level and coping methods of patients with a chronic itching problem. Methods: The research was carried out with patients who presented at the dermatology outpatient clinics of Yozgat Bozok University Research and Application Hospital, Yozgat State Hospital, and Sorgun State Hospital with a chronic itching complaint. The sample consisted of 125 patients. The data were collected using a patient information form, and scores of a visual analogue scale (VAS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Coping Style Scale (CSS). Results: The mean duration of an itching problem was 27.11±49.74 months and the mean itching severity based on the VAS score was 6.52±2.05. The mean PSS score was 29.71±7.2 (min-max: 14-47), which was greater than the median possible score. Female patients with severe itching (VAS ≥7) had a higher mean PSS score. A passive approach was seen more often in patients who had experienced excessive itching for 4-6 years. Patients who reported itching in the evening used the coping style of seeking social support more than other groups. A weak positive correlation was seen between the PSS score and a passive coping style, and between the PSS score and seeking social support. A weak positive correlation was also found between patient age and an optimistic approach. A weak negative correlation between the duration of itching and a self-confident approach and seeking social support was also recorded. Finally, a weak negative correlation was found between the duration of illness and seeking social support. Conclusion: It was observed that as the stress level of the patients increased, they more often used passive methods to cope with stress. Nursing management of patients with chronic itching and a high stress level should include appropriate methods to increase the use of active coping methods.