SLEEP DISTURBANCES AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC URTICARIA AT CAN THO DERMATO-VENEREOLOGY HOSPITAL IN 2025

Quang Nhan Tran1, , Van Thong Nguyen1, Thi Thu Thao Nguyen1, Nhu Huynh1, Kim Bich Ly1, Huy Loc Nguyen1
1 Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: Chronic urticaria is a common dermatological disorder characterized by recurrent wheals lasting for more than six weeks. Nocturnal pruritus may lead to sleep disturbances and impaired quality of life; however, domestic data on this issue remain limited. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, characteristics, and several factors associated with sleep disturbances in patients with chronic urticaria at Can Tho Dermato-Venereology Hospital in 2025. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 133 patients with chronic urticaria. Results: The 36–60 age group accounted for 48.9%; females comprised 52.6%. Urban residents represented 54.1% and manual laborers 64.7%. The majority of patients had a disease duration of 

6 weeks–6 months (83.5%) and a negative family history (82%). Disease severity according to UAS7 was predominantly moderate (42.9%) and severe (30.8%), while poor disease control according to UCT was recorded in 98.5%. Poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) affected 72.9%, although 39.8% and 34.6% self-rated their sleep as "fairly good" and "very good," respectively. Specific sleep indices included sleep latency <30 minutes (69.9%), sleep duration >6 hours/night (66.2%), and sleep efficiency ≥75% (69.7%). Additionally, 60.9% of patients used sleep medication and 55.6% experienced daytime dysfunction. Notably, disease severity (UAS7) was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (p < 0.001), whereas epidemiological factors and disease duration showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Sleep disturbances represent a substantial burden among patients with chronic urticaria, manifested by poor sleep quality, nocturnal awakenings, and impaired daytime functioning. The association between UAS7 and PSQI suggests that disease control, particularly control of nocturnal pruritus, plays an important role in improving sleep quality. Sleep assessment should therefore be incorporated into routine management to optimize treatment outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life.

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References

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