Chronic Pruritus in Older Adults: Prevalence, Associations, and Pruritus-specific Quality of Life

Chronic pruritus is a burdensome condition that frequently affects older adults, yet its epidemiology and impact on quality of life in the ageing population remain underexplored. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of chronic pruritus, its associated factors, and pruritus-specific quality of life in 4,474 participants (median age: 72 years; range: 48-99, 58.8% female) from the population-based Rotterdam Study. Questionnaires assessed current, 12-month, and lifetime chronic pruritus, along with the ItchyQoL. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with chronic pruritus, and linear regression assessed factors linked to pruritus-specific quality of life. Principal component analysis explored the ItchyQoL's dimensional structure in this older population. Chronic pruritus prevalence was 8.6% (current), 10.5% (12-month), and 18.6% (lifetime). Female sex, older age, smoking, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, self-reported dry skin, asthma, steatotic liver disease, polyneuropathy, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and poor sleep were associated with higher odds of chronic pruritus. Among those with current chronic pruritus, pruritus-specific quality of life was moderately impaired, with the greatest impairment associated with atopic dermatitis and psychological symptoms. Principal component analysis identified 4 ItchyQoL dimensions, extending beyond the original 3 domains. Given the cross-sectional design, directionality cannot be inferred. These findings highlight chronic pruritus as a prevalent, multifactorial condition in older adults, with significant psychological impact and implications for multidisciplinary management.