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The Family Impact of Atopic Dermatitis in the Pediatric Population: Results from an International Cross-sectional
Sebastien Barbarot1, Jonathan I Silverberg2, Abhijit Gadkari3
1Nantes University, Department of Dermatology, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France.
Insights
Atopic dermatitis significantly impacts families, with increased care needs and missed workdays correlating with disease severity. This global study highlights the broad negative effects on family life across all age groups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Family Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting children worldwide.
- The burden of atopic dermatitis extends beyond the patient, significantly impacting family well-being and resources.
- Understanding this family impact is crucial for developing comprehensive support strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the multifaceted impact of atopic dermatitis on families of pediatric patients.
- To assess how atopic dermatitis severity influences family life domains, including caregiving time and economic factors.
- To provide a global perspective on the family burden associated with pediatric atopic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted with 7465 pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis and their parents/caregivers across 18 countries.
- Participants were identified using International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria and physician diagnosis of eczema.
- Atopic dermatitis severity was measured by the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure and Patient Global Assessment; family impact was assessed using the Dermatitis Family Impact questionnaire and questions on care hours and missed workdays.
Main Results:
- Greater atopic dermatitis severity correlated with higher Dermatitis Family Impact scores across all regions and age groups.
- Specific domains of family life, including sleep and emotional well-being, were negatively affected by increased disease severity.
- Time spent on atopic dermatitis-related caregiving and parental workdays missed due to the child's condition increased proportionally with atopic dermatitis severity.
Conclusions:
- Increased severity of atopic dermatitis in children leads to a greater negative impact on families across physical, emotional, social, and economic aspects.
- These findings underscore the significant burden of pediatric atopic dermatitis on family functioning and resources globally.
- Interventions and support systems should consider the comprehensive family impact when addressing pediatric atopic dermatitis.
Objective:
To evaluate the impact of atopic dermatitis on families of pediatric patients.
Study Design:
This cross-sectional, web-based survey of children/adolescents (6 months to <18 years old) with atopic dermatitis and their parents and caregivers was conducted in 18 countries encompassing North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East/Eurasia, and East Asia. Children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis and their parents and caregivers were identified by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria and ever being told by a physician that they had "eczema". Atopic dermatitis severity was assessed using the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure and the Patient Global Assessment. Atopic dermatitis impact on families' lives was evaluated using the Dermatitis Family Impact questionnaire and stand-alone questions on hours of atopic dermatitis-related care (past week) and missed work days (past 4 weeks) owing to their child's atopic dermatitis.
Results:
A total of 7465 pairs of pediatric participants with atopic dermatitis and their parents or caregivers were surveyed. Across age groups, the Dermatitis Family Impact questionnaire total score for all regions ranged from 7.1 to 8.6, 13.2 to 14.9, and 17.0 to 17.2 for Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure mild, moderate, and severe atopic dermatitis, respectively. Subscale scores showed that greater atopic dermatitis severity had a greater impact on all family life domains, including sleep and tiredness. No specific patterns or trends were observed across age groups. Time spent on childcare and missed work days increased with atopic dermatitis severity.
Conclusions:
Across pediatric age groups and geographic regions, greater atopic dermatitis severity was associated with a greater negative impact on physical, emotional, social, and economic components of family life.
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