368 Impact of a digital atopic dermatitis educational intervention on Hispanic patients and family members

Abstract

Abstract With the increasing incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the USA, the highest prevalence of AD being found in Hispanic countries, and the rising Hispanic-American population, educational resources on eczema focused on Spanish-speaking populations are needed more than ever. As such, the primary goal of this project was to assess the beneficial impact of an educational intervention conducted through a virtual platform for Hispanic individuals living with AD. Utilizing WhatsApp, the study enrolled 55 participants diagnosed with AD and/or parents of children diagnosed with AD. Participants were enrolled in a 7-day educational module with daily topics on AD health knowledge. A health knowledge survey was administered prior to the educational program, upon completion of the program and 1 month after completion. The program found a 14% increase in AD health knowledge upon completion of the program (P < 0.001). Most importantly, there was no significant difference found between the health knowledge survey submitted at program completion and 1 month after completion, signaling that health knowledge taught through the course was successfully retained by participants (P = 0.29). Qualitative themes involving atopic disease were additionally explored through group discussions, including mental health and peer stigma. This study is the first of its kind in dermatology utilizing the WhatsApp format. The success of retained health knowledge regarding AD demonstrates that future virtual endeavors can be effective methods of patient education overall, and be accessible interventions for populations that might not have ease of access to major medical centers, are in rural areas and/or in the international setting.