Abstract
Better understanding of atopic dermatitis’ effect on quality of life could enhance current management and therapeutic strategies. Studies investigating factors related to the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers are limited. This cross-sectional study included 559 children (<16 years) with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers. Disease severity was associated with infants’ HRQOL (moderate: IRR: 1.42, 95% CI 1.20–1.67; severe: IRR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.32–2.24). Age and disease severity were associated with children’s HRQOL (age: IRR: 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00; moderate: IRR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.14). Quality of life subdomains itching/scratching, emotional distress and sleep disturbance were most reported and increased with higher disease severity. Both caregivers’ mental and physical health were negatively affected by children’s HRQOL (physical: IRR: 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00; mental: IRR: 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99). Sociodemographic characteristics (gender, ethnicity, educational attainment of carers, number of children) did not demonstrate significance in children’s HRQOL model. In conclusion, current atopic dermatitis diagnostics and treatment have to be extended to the factors influencing both children’ as their caregivers’ quality of life and adapting management accordingly. Itching/scratching, emotional distress and sleep disturbance deserve attention. Sociodemographic characteristics in children’s HRQOL models also merit attention in further research.
Highlights
Better understanding of atopic dermatitis’ effect on quality of life could enhance current management and therapeutic strategies
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of atopic dermatitis on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a high prevalence area and to assess its related factors
Children with severe atopic dermatitis have a significant impact on their caregiver’s physical health while mild and moderate cases did not demonstrate such an influence (IRR: 0.94, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): [0.89, 0.99], P = 0.03)
Summary
Better understanding of atopic dermatitis’ effect on quality of life could enhance current management and therapeutic strategies. Quality of life subdomains itching/scratching, emotional distress and sleep disturbance were most reported and increased with higher disease severity. Both caregivers’ mental and physical health were negatively affected by children’s HRQOL (physical: IRR: 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00; mental: IRR: 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99). Given the fact that one in five children are affected globally[11], more empirical in-depth research needs to be conducted to examine factors influencing quality of life To address this gap, the purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of atopic dermatitis on HRQOL in a high prevalence area and to assess its related factors
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