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Impact of Pediatric Dermatologic Conditions on Child and Parent Quality of Life
Mildred Min1, Jasminder K Malhi2, Cindy J Chambers1
1Dermatology, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA.
Insights
Parents of children with skin conditions experience greater quality of life impairment than their children. This study highlights the significant psychosocial impact of pediatric dermatoses on families, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Psychosocial Impact of Diseases
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Dermatologic conditions significantly affect the well-being of pediatric patients and their families.
- Understanding the psychosocial burden of childhood skin diseases is crucial for effective management.
- Previous research indicates a link between dermatoses and reduced quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between child and parent quality of life in pediatric dermatologic conditions.
- To quantify the psychosocial impact of various skin diseases on patients and their caregivers.
- To identify specific dermatoses that disproportionately affect family quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 100 pediatric patients (aged 7-18) and 98 parents.
- Data collected at the Pacific Skin Institute between November 2020 and January 2022.
- Utilized the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) for assessment.
Main Results:
- Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) scores were higher than Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores across most dermatoses.
- Acne vulgaris was the exception, with higher CDLQI scores (9.2) than FDLQI scores (8.8).
- Psoriasis showed the largest disparity, with significantly higher FDLQI scores (10.4) compared to CDLQI scores (5.9).
Conclusions:
- Parents of children with dermatologic conditions generally experience a greater negative impact on their quality of life.
- Parental burden may stem from extensive involvement in condition management and associated costs.
- Clinical practice should adopt a more holistic approach, expanding resources for both pediatric patients and their families.
Abstract:
Dermatologic conditions can confer a negative effect on pediatric patients and their caretakers. We aim to study the relationship between child and parent quality of life among various dermatoses to further understand the psychosocial impacts of dermatologic disease. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 100 pediatric patients (aged 7-18) and 98 parents who presented to the Pacific Skin Institute, Sacramento, CA, from November 2020 to January 2022. Patients and their parents were evaluated using the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI). The maximum score for both indices was 30, with a higher score indicating greater impairment on quality of life. From all the patients and parents identified for various dermatoses, FDLQI scores (mean, 7.8; n = 98) exceeded CDLQI scores (mean, 5.8; n = 100) in nearly every condition. Acne was the only diagnosis with greater CDLQI scores (mean, 9.2; n = 43) than FDLQI scores (mean, 8.8; n = 42). Psoriasis had the greatest difference between FDLQI scores (mean, 10.4; n = 9) and CDLQI scores (mean, 5.9; n = 9). Our study found that parents of children with dermatologic conditions often experience a greater impairment on quality of life compared to the patient. This is likely because parents are highly involved in the management of their child's condition and are burdened with the costs associated with dermatoses. These findings call for a more holistic evaluation by clinicians and the expansion of resources for patients and their parents.
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