Psychosocial Burden Research Articles

Integrating primary palliative care into hidradenitis suppurativa management.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, often debilitating skin condition that disproportionately impacts women in the United States and other Western nations. Dermatologists should consider incorporating palliative care principles into HS management to optimize care. Primary palliative care principles include utilizing evidence-based frameworks in serious illness communication, acknowledging and addressing physical and psychosocial suffering, recognizing and validating the burden of disease in partners, families, and caregivers, and engaging in collaborative care coordination. Certain patients may also benefit from outpatient, or sometimes inpatient, palliative care specialist collaboration, such as those with refractory HS and superimposed challenging psychosocial dynamics and symptom burden. Through integration of these palliative care domains into HS care, dermatologists can optimize their ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for patients suffering with this disease.

Dyadic coping in young and middle-aged women with gynecological cancer: a latent class analysis

Cancer is a shared stress that can cause psychosocial and emotional burdens for both patients and their partners. This study aimed to identify patterns of dyadic coping (DC) among young and middle-aged women with gynecological cancer and to assess between-group differences. Between June 2021 and November 2021, patients with gynecological cancer who received therapy in a tertiary-grade hospital in Shandong, China, completed questionnaires including a demographic questionnaire, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, the PROMIS-Anxiety Short Form, the PROMIS-Depression Short Form, and the revised Conflict Tactics Scale and were classified into subtypes by latent class analysis. The sample consisted of 339 patients. Approximately one-third of the patients, especially cervical cancer patients, were exposed to varying degrees of DC issues. Three patterns were identified: class 1, middle-DC group (33.6%); class 2, low-DC group (32.2%); and class 3, high-DC group (34.2%). Postmenopausal patients were more likely to be included in class 1, while patients with cervical cancer were more likely to be included in class 2 (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients in class 2 were more likely to report insufficient emotional support (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found for social relationship domains, and a negative correlation was found for anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). The findings indicated a high prevalence of DC in young and middle-aged women with gynecological cancer. Overall, participants scored in the low-to-middle range in terms of DC levels, and patients with cervical cancer and those with insufficient emotional support were more likely to report DC issues and require additional attention.

1077. Understanding the Psychosocial Burden Associated with Hospitalization Among Adults Diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States

Abstract Background Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States (US), public health officials sought to reduce transmission. However, the psychosocial impact associated with COVID-19 has received less attention. This study describes psychosocial burden among adults diagnosed with COVID-19 and assesses the unique impact on those who had a COVID-19 hospitalization. Methods This cross-sectional retrospective study used 2021 US National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS; N=75,098) data. NHWS is an annual web-based self-report survey of the US general adult population (aged ≥ 18 years). Results were weighted to reflect the population on age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education based on US Census. Among adults who self-reported a COVID-19 diagnosis, those with COVID-related hospitalization, emergency room (ER) visit/no hospitalization, and no hospitalization/no ER visit were descriptively compared on demographics, health characteristics, and psychosocial burden measures. Results Almost 16 million adults had a COVID-19 diagnosis in the past year; of these, 8% had a COVID-related hospitalization, and 6% had a COVID-related ER visit/no hospitalization. Compared to adults with no ER visit/no hospitalization or ER visit/no hospitalization, those with a hospitalization were more often male, college educated, and employed. Relative to those with no ER visit/no hospitalization, adults with a hospitalization were more often diagnosed, either pre- or post-COVID-19 diagnosis, with allergies (47% vs 38%), asthma (20% vs 11%), pain (37% vs. 25%), headache (25% vs 16%), migraine (27% vs 15%), type 2 diabetes (16% vs 10%), dry eye (25% vs 12%), and sleep apnea (15% vs 11%). Adults with a hospitalization had lower mental, physical, and general health-related quality of life, 2-3.4 times higher work/non-work impairment, and 2 times higher positive depression screen rate than those with no ER visit/no hospitalization. Conclusion US adults with a COVID-related hospitalization had higher psychosocial burden than those without a hospitalization on several domains. Accordingly, reducing COVID-related hospitalizations, particularly among the employed and those with comorbidities, will be vital to help mitigate this burden. Disclosures Wajeeha Ansari, MPH, Pfizer Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Florin Draica, MD, Pfizer Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Joanna Atkinson, MD, Pfizer Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Kathy Annunziata, MA, Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Employee of Cerner Enviza, which received funding from Pfizer to conduct and report on the study Martine C. Maculaitis, PhD, Cerner Enviza: Employee of Cerner Enviza, which received funding from Pfizer to conduct and report on the study. Amie Scott, MPH, Pfizer Inc.: Stocks/Bonds.

The Association of Alopecia Areata-Related Emotional Symptoms with Work Productivity and Daily Activity Among Patients with Alopecia Areata.

Patients with alopecia areata (AA) experience psychological and psychosocial symptoms including depression, anxiety, anger, social withdrawal, embarrassment, and low self-esteem. While multiple studies have measured the detrimental emotional impact of AA on patient quality of life, evidence of its effect on work productivity loss (WPL) and daily activities is limited. This study aimed to assess the extent of AA-related emotional symptom (ES) burden on work productivity and activity impairment. A cross-sectional survey of dermatologists and their adult patients with AA was conducted in the USA in 2019. Dermatologists provided assessments of patients' clinical characteristics, while patients completed sociodemographic questionnaires along with two validated patient-reported outcome measures of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) and the AA Patient Priority Outcomes (AAPPO) ES subscale. The WPAI assessed AA-related WPL (employed respondents) and activity impairment (all respondents), and the AAPPO-ES assessed AA-related frequency of feeling self-conscious, embarrassed, sad, or frustrated. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to both WPAI scores with the AAPPO ES as an independent variable. A total of 242 patients with a mean (SD) age of 39.2 (13.3) years, treated by 59 dermatologists, were evaluated. Mean (SD) ES score was 2.0 (1.1). Mean (SD) work productivity loss [n = 170] and activity impairment [n = 242] were 12.2% (17.4%) and 13.3% (18.3%), respectively. After adjusting for covariates, WPL increased by 4.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-6.7%; p = 0.002] and activity impairment increased by 3.1% (95% CI 0.7-5.4%; p = 0.010) for every 1-point increase in ES. For an average patient, a 1-SD decrease (about 1 point) on the ES scale substantially reduced WPL and activity impairment (by at least 25%). Patients with AA reported significant increases in WPL and activity impairment associated with worsening AA-related ES. These findings underscore the substantial emotional and psychosocial burden among patients with AA and a need for improved treatment options.

Psychological aspects of precocious puberty child during the COVID-19 pandemic

HIGHLIGHTS 1. Presents a longitudinal case of a child with Organic Central Precocious Puberty (CPP).2. Focused on psychological aspect during the COVID-19 pandemic. ABSTRACT Objective: To present a longitudinal case of a child with organic Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) that focused on medical, growth and development, and parent’s psychological aspect during the COVID-19 pandemic. Case Report: A 14-month old girl attended with major complaints of breasts enlargement and menstruation. The Tanner's stage was at A1M3P1 and the vagina showed reddish-brown spots. The patient’s bone age was advanced (3 years and 6 months). USG examination showed a corpus uterine: cervix ratio of 2:1. GnRH stimulation test showed an elevated of FSH/LH and estradiol. MRI showed an extra-axial dense mass that leads to Hypothalamic Hamartoma (HH). The definitive diagnosis of this patient was organic CPP with HH. The patient was managed with GnRH analog. Precocious puberty (PP) becomes a financial and psychosocial burden for parents. The COVID-19 pandemic adds a double burden for the parents. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents with PP children had a good psychological aspect if the child was comprehensively handled with adequate motivation and psychoeducation.

The psychosocial burden of hidradenitis suppurativa in Singapore

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic debilitating inflammatory skin disorder known to result in significant psychological symptoms and impaired quality of life. However, most of these studies are limited to western countries, with limited data from other sociocultural regions. To understand the psychosocial burden of HS in the Asian context, by exploring the correlation between objective disease measures with psychosocial health and work productivity. A prospective single-center questionnaire study was conducted. A total of 45 patients with HS completed a questionnaire and examination by a dermatologist. Higher objective disease severity scores (Hurley, physician global assessment, International Hidradenitis Suppurative Severity, and modified Sartorius) correlated with poorer quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index and Patient Global Assessment), increased anxiety and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale) and at-work productivity loss. There was no significant correlation between objective disease severity and other domains Work productivity and activity impairment score or self-esteem (Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale). The main limitation of our study is the small sample size, assessment at a single time point, and lack of control cohort. Our findings demonstrate the impact of HS on a patient's psychosocial well-being and emphasize the importance of treating patients from a holistic standpoint.

Patient and physician perspectives on treatment burden in end-stage kidney disease: a nominal group technique study

ObjectivesThe treatment workload associated with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is high. The treatment burdens experienced by patients with ESKD are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate...

The patient-practitioner interaction in post bariatric surgery consultations: an interpersonal process recall study

Purpose The patient-practitioner relationship is fundamental to rehabilitation practice and patients’ health and wellbeing. Dissonance between patients who have had bariatric surgery and health care practitioners about what supportive care and good outcomes are can undermine care. To address the mechanisms of this process, we conducted an Interpersonal Process Recall study. Materials and Methods We interviewed patients (11), video recorded consultations (10), conducted video-assisted individual interviews with patients (10) and practitioners (11) and a dyadic data analysis. Results We identified relational states and shifts in the clinical encounter 2–3 years post-surgery, described in themes: a) Playing by the Book – Making it Easier for Each Other, b) Down the Blind Alley – Giving up on Each Other, and c) Opposite Poles – Towards and Away from Each Other. Conclusions The post-surgery consultations facilitated responsibility for health and self-care but did not invite dialogues about the psychosocial burdens of living with obesity and undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients and practitioners tried to avoid creating conflict, which in turn seemed to foster distance, rather than human connection. This limits the encounter’s benefit to both parties, leaving them frustrated and less willing to either meet again or take any gains into their future lives. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Illness evokes feelings of stress and uncertainty and is experienced very differently from the perspective of patients and health care practitioners (HCPs), who encounter each other in a field fraught with tension. Bodily changes and difficult emotions related to food and eating are to be expected when undergoing bariatric surgery, and to explicitly “notice, name and validate” emotions can promote the patient’s capacity to sustain self-care, lifestyle change, weight loss and health gains. Making interpersonal connection and interaction between patient and HCP the centre of bariatric aftercare can enhance engagement in and outcomes of the post-surgery clinical encounter

Helplessness in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: Assessment and Correlation with Sociodemographic Factors and Spirometry-based Severity

Introduction: Mortality attributable to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in India is estimated to be among the highest in the world. Although identification and management of symptoms and signs of chronic lung diseases have improved, the psychosocial burden is often unrecognized and neglected. Psychological distress increases dependence on others, causes less effective self-management and longer hospital stays, and is known to greatly influence the disease progression. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the degree of helplessness among COPD patients and establish its correlation with sociodemographic factors and disease severity. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a secondary care hospital of Delhi. A predesigned, pretested COPD Helplessness Index (CHI) questionnaire was administered to 224 participants aged 40 years or above, after obtaining informed consent. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease staging system for COPD was used to categorize patients according to their disease severity. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 17.0. Moreover, P

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Glycemic targets and glucose monitoring for children, adolescents, and young people with diabetes.

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Glycemic targets and glucose monitoring for children, adolescents, and young people with diabetes.

Prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide amongst women and girls in South Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A growing body of literature suggests an increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide among women and girls in South Asia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to appraise the current evidence and estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide in this population. We systematically searched nine (9) bibliographic databases (PubMed, ASU, Embase, WoS, CINAHL, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, HSNE, and NAHC) and additional sources through December 17, 2021, for studies that reported the prevalence of suicidal ideation or attempted suicide. Random-effect models were used to estimate pooled prevalence. Of 30 eligible studies, 27 reported suicidal ideation and 12 reported attempted suicide. The pooled prevalence of overall suicidal ideation and attempted suicide were 17% (95% CI:14.00–20.00, n = 39674) and 5% (95% CI: 4.00–7.00, n = 20791), respectively. Thirteen studies enrolled adult women from the general population, nine recruited adolescent girls, and eight recruited female medical/university students. The pooled estimate of suicidal ideation was higher among adults, whereas attempted suicide was found to be higher among adolescents. These findings on suicidal ideation and attempted suicide suggest a heavy epidemiological and psychosocial burden among South Asian women and girls that necessitates a gender-sensitive integrated multi-sectoral approach. • The pooled prevalence of overall suicidal ideation was 17% among women and girls in South Asia. • Overall pooled prevalence of suicide attempt was 5% among women and girls in South Asia. • Overall pooled estimate of suicidal ideation was higher among South Asian adult women (17%). • Overall pooled attempted suicide was found to be higher among South Asian adolescent girls (9%). • Pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation for 12-month or less was 22% among South Asian female medical/university students.

Clinical Characteristics and Management of Children and Adults with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Plexiform Neurofibromas in Denmark: A Nationwide Study.

Plexiform neurofibromas (PN) are benign nerve sheath tumours that are a frequent and potentially debilitating complication in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of PN in children, adolescents and adults with NF1. This was a nationwide, longitudinal cohort study of patients with NF1 under observation at the two national centres of NF1 expertise in Denmark between 2000 and 2020. Patient and clinical characteristics were documented from individual medical records. A total of 1099 patients with NF1 were included. Overall, 12% (35/296) of paediatric patients and 21% (172/803) of adult patients had ≥ 1 large PN (≥ 3cm). Approximately half of patients with a large PN had ≥ 1 symptomatic PN. The most frequent symptoms were pain, neurological deficits, cosmetic issues, disfigurement, compression, increased psychosocial burden and vision loss. Clinical evaluations of PN size were available for 40 PN in 34 paediatric patients and 191 PN in 159 adult patients with large PN. Surgery (complete resection or debulking) was performed in 38% (15/40) of PN in paediatric patients and 45% (86/191) in adult patients. In addition, 35% of PN in paediatric patients and 33% in adult patients were inoperable. In a subgroup analysis, the overall PN size increased 1.06-fold per year. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNST) were diagnosed in 21 patients (two paediatric and 19 adult patients). This study shows that PN are common, their size and prevalence increase with age, many are often inoperable and pain and other symptoms are frequently associated. The results highlight the severe sequelae and unmet need for alternatives to analgesia and surgery in patients with PN.

Veränderungen in anhaltenden Extremsituationen

The Covid-19 virus caused increased challenges for nursing professionals. This study aims to explore psychosocial stress in the work environment of nursing staff resulting from the pandemic within an Austrian hospital. In addition, differences in the experience between nurses and nursing assistants, in leadership and management positions, as well as between wards with (suspected) Covid-19 positive patients and wards without Covid-19 patients will be recorded. In a mixed-method study, a web-based survey was conducted using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). The qualitative data was collected with four open questions. The results were analysed descriptively and inferentially with a one-way analysis of variance and the Mann-Whitney-U test. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. A total of 104 participants completed the survey. The results show that there is a burden on nursing professionals (p = 0.03) within the area of emotional and quantitative demands (p < 0.01), but no differences between the individual nursing groups emerged. Leadership and management positions report less stress than the rest of the nursing staff (p ≤ 0.05). When distinguishing between Covid-19 (suspected) wards and non-Covid-19 wards, two scales (demands for hiding emotions % possibilities for development) were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.04). The results of this study illustrate the psychosocial burden of the Covid-19 pandemic on nurses with different characteristics and are in line with current research. Further studies should address the impact of the burden on nursing practice.

Modified e-Delphi Process for the Selection of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Children and Families With Type 1 Diabetes Using Continuous Glucose Monitors: Delphi Study.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) management is complex and associated with significant psychosocial burden. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) can improve disease management and outcomes and introduce new or exacerbate existing psychosocial concerns. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be used to capture this information, but there is no consensus on which PROMs should be used in pediatric CGM research. Here we describe the process to (1) identify PROMs that could be used to assess the impact of CGMs on pediatric patients with T1D, (2) implement a modified electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) methodology to arrive at an expert consensus on which PROMs are most suitable for clinical and research applications, and (3) establish a periodicity table for the administration of PROMs over time in a real-world evidence study. To identify appropriate PROMs for pediatric patients and families with T1D and CGMs, we conducted an asynchronous, e-Delphi process with a multidisciplinary group of experts from around the country. We identified candidate instruments through a literature review. The 3-round e-Delphi process was conducted via a study website, email, and web-based forms. Participants provided opinions on the usefulness of instruments, age validation, feasibility, time, and frequency of administration. In total, 16 experts participated in the e-Delphi process; 4 of whom consistently participated in all 3 rounds. We identified 62 candidate instruments, which were narrowed down to 12 final PROMs across 5 domains: diabetes distress and burden (n=4), autonomy (n=2), quality of life (n=1), psychosocial (n=3), and technology acceptance (n=2). A quarterly administration schedule was developed to reduce burden on participants. PROMs can provide critical insights into the psychosocial well-being of patients. The specific measures identified in the paper are particularly well suited for pediatric patients with T1D using CGMs. Clinical implementation could help health care providers, patients, and families to engage in more comprehensive disease management.

Psychosocial Burden Predicts Sustained Remission in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unraveling the Complex Interplay of Well-Being and Disease Activity.

This study investigated how psychosocial aspects of disease affect the probability of achieving sustained remission in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explored the directionality of this relationship. Data were analyzed from the randomized controlled Care in Early RA trial. Sustained remission was defined as a continued Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C-reactive protein level (DAS28-CRP) of <2.6 from weeks 16 to 104. Patients completed the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R), and the Utrecht Coping List. These psychosocial variables were studied at baseline and at week 16 as predictors of sustained remission with logistic regression. Next, subgroups of patients in remission at week 16 were identified by Latent Profile Analysis based on these psychosocial indicators. Time to first loss of remission was then compared between groups by Cox proportional hazards regression. Finally, directionality of associations between psychosocial indicators and DAS28-CRP was explored with cross-lagged panel models (CLPMs). Sustained DAS28-CRP remission was associated with higher SF-36 scores and less passive coping at baseline and with higher SF-36 scores and more positive IPQ-R outcomes at week 16. Among patients in DAS28-CRP remission at week 16 (n=287), 2 subgroups were identified: a low psychosocial burden group (n=231 of 287) and a high psychosocial burden group (n=56 of 287). The low psychosocial burden group retained remission longer (hazard ratio 0.51 [0.35-0.73]). In the CLPM, temporal relationships between psychosocial well-being and DAS28-CRP were complex, bidirectional, and disease-phase dependent. Suboptimal psychosocial well-being and negative illness perceptions predicted lower probability of sustained remission in an early RA cohort. Illness perceptions appeared to become more clinically relevant with time. Finally, 1 in 5 patients showed worse psychosocial outcomes despite early remission, and these patients tended to lose remission earlier.

Parental Burden and Quality of Life in 5q-SMA Diagnosed by Newborn Screening.

The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial burden in parents of children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), detected by newborn screening (NBS), for which first pilot projects started in January 2018 in Germany. The survey, performed 1-2 years after children's diagnosis of SMA via NBS, included 3 parent-related questionnaires to evaluate the psychosocial burden, quality of life (QoL)/satisfaction and work productivity and activity impairment in the families. 42/44 families, detected between January 2018 and February 2020, could be investigated. Interestingly, statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between families with children that received SMN-targeted therapy vs. children with a wait-and-see strategy as to social burden (p = 0.016) and personal strain/worries about the future (p = 0.02). However, the evaluation of QoL showed no significant differences between treated vs. untreated children. Fathers of treated children felt more negative impact regarding their productivities at work (p = 0.005) and more negative effects on daily activities (p = 0.022) than fathers of untreated children. Thus, NBS in SMA has a psychosocial impact on families, not only in terms of diagnosis but especially in terms of treatment, and triggers concerns about the future, emphasizing the need for comprehensive multidisciplinary care. Understanding the parents' perspective allows genetic counselors and NBS programs to proactively develop a care plan for parents during the challenging time of uncertainty, anxiety, frustration, and fear of the unknown.

The ripple effect: Cancer-related financial toxicity for family members and caregivers.

Globally, the rising costs of cancer care have resulted in "financial toxicity" borne by patients. Financial toxicity includes the direct costs of care, the psychological distress associated with financing care, and harmful coping mechanisms such as omitting medications and treatment due to cost. In this piece, we draw attention to a manifestation of financial toxicity that is often underrecognized and "undertreated," that is, how financial toxicity affects patients' families and primary caregivers. We focus on the context of Southeast Asia, a diverse region of over 650 million people, where there exist common cultural threads in the importance placed on family and filial piety, including in the setting of disease and healthcare-related decision making. We describe how the psychosocial and financial burden of cancer is often shared to a great extent by family members in a region where cancer is often seen as a disease of the whole family. The ripple effects of financial toxicity associated with cancer should broaden providers' purview when treating patients; however, the same ripple effects imply that efforts to mitigate financial toxicity for patients with cancer may greatly benefit their families and caregivers as well. We therefore argue that future work in research, clinical care, and health policy must take a multi-pronged approach to mitigating family financial toxicity, and we suggest steps forward. While we draw attention to family financial toxicity in Southeast Asia, it is important to recognize that financial toxicity of cancer is a global concern and occurs in regions of the world with greater financial resources. Further research is needed to elucidate the complexities of financial toxicity in the context of regional cultures, socioeconomic milieus, and cancer care systems. Critically, work is needed to develop, evaluate, and implement policies and interventions that are responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Symptom burden in malignant and non-malignant disease on admission to a palliative care unit

BackgroundThere is increasing recognition that patients with non-malignant diseases have comparable physical and psychosocial symptom burden to patients with cancer. There is currently limited data directly comparing symptom burden between...

Physical, Psycho-social and Economic Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Hospital-Based Study in Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Physical, Psycho-social and Economic Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Hospital-Based Study in Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Support Group Utilization and Perspectives Among Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis associated with significant psychosocial burden. HS patients are more likely to experience mental health comorbidities such as depression and anxiety. They may also experience isolation due to fear of stigmatization as HS lesions are often associated with pain, scarring, and odor. This study investigates the perspectives of HS patients on HS support groups and the usage of this resource among this population. Methods: An anonymous Redcap survey was utilized via online social media HS support groups between 10/2021-1/2022 to collect demographic, usage, and perspective data. Comparative statistics were conducted and p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 166 respondents, 78% respondents were part of an HS support group however, only 12% of respondents were recommended to join by their main HS healthcare provider and most (68%) learned about support groups through their own internet searches. Most respondents were daily (42%) and weekly (38%) support group users. Virtual meetings were preferred by the majority compared to in person meetings (50% vs 13%). The top reasons respondents reported attending support groups were to better understand HS, increasing their knowledge of HS resources, and access to treatment/care tips. Respondents without dermatologists as their main HCP and skin of color (SOC) respondents were more likely to report that support groups improved their care of HS (4.29 vs 3.90, p=0.031). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the preferential format of virtual support groups and that support groups may be an underutilized resource by healthcare providers for their patients. Support groups may help to narrow gaps in education when patients are unable to access or have delays in obtaining dermatological care, especially in SOC patients who have historically experienced higher rates of healthcare disparities.