Effectiveness of the Atopy Camp for Primary School Students in Seoul

Abstract

Purpose:In this study, we attempted to analyze the effectiveness of the atopic dermatitis camp for primary school students in the Seoul area. Methods:Seoul city's atopy camp 2010 was conducted 10 times from May 22nd to October 24th for primary school students at an atopy friendly school and their parents. A total of 374 atopic dermatitis patients participated in the camp and questionnaires for 363 were analyzed, except 11 participants who had left several questions unanswered. In a 3-month follow-up survey, 167 partici- pants out of 374 responded to the mailing questionnaire to evaluate the efficiency of the camp. The response rate was 44.7%. Results:Satisfaction with the educational program of the camp was higher for lower grade students than for higher grade students.(P 0.001) Before camp, higher grade students ( ˂ P 0.001) or students ˂ with severe symptoms were more knowledgeable of atopic dermatitis.(P 0.01) After the camp, ˂ the higher the grade, the more the knowledge the student had about atopic dermatitis.(P 0.001) ˂ Three months after the camp, there was positive change in the lifestyle of atopic dermatitis patients.(P 0.001) ˂ Conclusion: Knowledge on atopic dermatitis increased and the lifestyle of atopic dermatitis patients was improved due to the camp. Consequently, Seoul city's atopy camp can be utilized as a method to improve the quality of life of atopic dermatitis patients and their family. And Seoul city's atopy camp is expected to be a model for atopy camps in other local communities. (Pediatr Allergy Respir Dis(Korea) 2012;22:154-162)