Unveiling the potential: Enhancing caregiver knowledge through video education to address topical corticosteroid concerns in children with eczematous dermatitis.

Abstract

Concerns about the use of topical corticosteroids (TCS) in pediatric eczematous dermatitis management often hinder effective treatment. Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of these concerns and the effectiveness of interventions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of TCS concerns among caregivers and determine the effectiveness of video education in mitigating these concerns. A single-center prospective study was conducted from 2022 to 2023, involving caregivers of children under 18 years with eczematous dermatitis. Baseline and post-intervention questionnaires were administered after a 4-week period. Caregivers received video education on TCS use, and the TOPICOP score was evaluated before and after viewing the video. The study included 150 caregivers, 85.3% female and 74% had a child with atopic dermatitis. The prevalence of TCS concerns among Thai caregivers was 62%. Following video education, the prevalence of TCS concerns significantly decreased to 10.7%. Mean belief score decreased from 43.81 ± 13.45 to 31.85 ± 16.56, mean worry score decreased from 56.22 ± 18.27 to 40.41 ± 18.55 and mean total TOPICOP score decreased from 50.02 ± 12.65 to 36.13 ± 13.52 (p-value <.001). The intervention also resulted in reduced disease exacerbations, duration of the rash, and duration of TCS use. The optimal TOPICOP cut-off score to predict TCS concerns was identified as 43.06. Video education effectively alleviated TCS concerns among caregivers, addressing beliefs, worries, disease exacerbations, and side effects. Integration of this intervention into the management of pediatric eczematous dermatitis can yield optimal outcomes.