The Effects of a School-Based Atopy Care Program for School-Aged Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Dermatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic condition affecting many children.
• Effective management strategies are crucial for improving quality of life.
• School-based interventions can provide accessible support for children with chronic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based atopy care program (SACP) for children with atopic dermatitis.
• To assess the impact of the SACP on parental knowledge and parental efficacy.
• To develop practical guidelines for health teachers managing children with AD.

Main Methods:

• A pre- and post-test design was employed.
• Participants included 98 dyads of children with AD and their parents from four Seoul elementary schools.
• The intervention group received the SACP administered by health teachers/school nurses.

Main Results:

• Parents in the SACP group showed significantly increased knowledge of atopic dermatitis (p = .04).
• Parents in the SACP group reported a significantly greater sense of parental efficacy (p = .02).
• The program demonstrated positive outcomes in enhancing parental support for children with AD.

Conclusions:

• The SACP is an effective intervention for children with atopic dermatitis.
• The program provides a viable model for chronic disease management in school settings.
• Guidelines were derived for health teachers to implement the SACP effectively.