The Prevalence, Knowledge, and Awareness Level of Atopic Dermatitis Among a Sample of Adult Jordanian Population

Atopic dermatitis (AD) causes significant physical and psychosocial distress. This study aimed to determine the self-reported prevalence of AD and evaluate disease-related knowledge among adult Jordanians.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2025 using a self-administered online questionnaire distributed via social media. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, AD-related knowledge, awareness, clinical features, and treatments were collected from 818 Jordanian adults (aged ≥18 years) and analysed using SPSS 28.

While 94.6% of participants had heard of AD, the median knowledge score was suboptimal at 8 (7-10) out of 14. Awareness was high regarding the necessity of regular moisturization (93.9%) and aggravating role of triggers (≥ 86.5%). However, knowledge gaps were observed regarding the disease's hereditary nature (45.6% recognizing parental inheritance) and the "atopic march"; few recognized associations with asthma (30.4%) or allergic rhinitis (37.7%). The self-reported AD prevalence was 16.4% (n=134). Affected participants primarily reported itching (65.7%), redness (61.9%), and dryness with skin cracking (60.4%), with the hands being the most affected site (59.7%). Moisturizers were the most common treatment (49.3%), while AD affected daily performance in 42.5% and sleep at night in 41.8% of affected participants. Lower socioeconomic status (among those without AD), male gender, and lack of a family history of AD (among those with AD) were significantly associated with lower knowledge scores.

Detailed knowledge of AD among Jordanian adults is insufficient, with significant gaps in hereditary nature and allergic associations (atopic march). Targeted public health educational initiatives are essential to improve understanding, promote disease self-management, and enhance patient quality of life.