Positive Psychology Themes in Interviews of Children With Atopic Dermatitis: Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis is a pruritic chronic condition associated with significant sleep disturbance, inattention, and sometimes behavioral problems. Enhancing resiliency in children with atopic dermatitis may promote coping strategies to improve quality of life. Positive psychology is one strategy that can be used to strengthen resiliency.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to identify positive psychology concepts mentioned by children with atopic dermatitis and their parent to inform strategies to strengthen resiliency in children with atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

A total of 20 patient-parent dyads were interviewed to share their experience with atopic dermatitis to help develop a novel psychologic intervention for atopic dermatitis. Patients were 8 to 17 years old and diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Trained coders analyzed transcripts using a coding dictionary developed based on Seligman's PERMA (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment) model of positive psychology. The frequency of unprompted mentions of PERMA themes and relevant quotations was captured. Transcripts were also separately coded for resiliency, which is the ultimate goal of PERMA.

RESULTS

Positive psychology concepts were mentioned by 100% (20/20) of children and 95% (19/20) of parents. Engagement and relationships, both negative and positive aspects, were the most common unprompted PERMA themes mentioned by children (14/20, 70%) and parents (13/20, 65%). Emotion elicited the most negative comments from children (19/20, 95%) and parents (17/20, 85%). When analyzed for resiliency, 8 participants were identified with at least one resiliency code. On average, participants with a resiliency code mentioned PERMA concepts 9.1 (SD 4.7) times compared to those who mentioned none (mean 5.9, SD 4.6) (P=.14). When participants were stratified by disease severity, on average, more positive psychology concepts were mentioned by patients with mild atopic dermatitis (mean 13, SD 3.0) than those with moderate symptoms (mean 6.2, SD 4.9) or severe symptoms (mean 6.1, SD 4.0) (P=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Among PERMA themes, engagement and relationships are the two most commonly mentioned categories for children with atopic dermatitis. Strategies targeting PERMA such as affirmations and positive reframing may improve psychosocial well-being and resiliency in pediatric atopic dermatitis. Future directions will look at incorporating "positive medicine" into atopic dermatitis treatment to not only relieve symptoms but also strengthen positive aspects of life.

Past, Present, and Future Shared Decision-making Behavior Among Patients With Eczema and Caregivers

Question

What are the experiences, preferences, and motivators for shared decision-making (SDM) in patients with eczema?

Findings

In this survey study of 1313 patients with eczema and caregivers, higher degree of involvement in SDM was significantly associated with higher consultation satisfaction, and self-reported knowledge about the causes of eczema was associated with past and future SDM. Control of disease was inversely associated with past SDM behavior; motivating factors for patients to engage in SDM included the clinician welcoming the patient’s input, acknowledgment that patients are experts on their bodies, and whether treatment is working.

Meaning

Asking for patient perspectives and empowering patients and caregivers through education can encourage SDM and improve patient satisfaction with care.

Importance

Engaging in shared decision-making (SDM) can help patients understand and choose treatments according to their values and has been shown to improve patient satisfaction and adherence with treatment. It is well suited for conditions like eczema for which several medically appropriate treatment options exist. However, little is known about the use and experience of SDM in eczema.

Objective

To understand experiences, preferences, and expectations for SDM in eczema care settings from the patient and caregiver perspective.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The National Eczema Association conducted an online survey in January 2021 among self-selected patients and caregivers. Inclusion criteria (US resident, patient with eczema or caregiver of a patient with eczema aged ≤17 years, respondent age ≥18 years) were met by 1313 of 1387 respondents (94.7%). Data analysis was performed from May 2021 to November 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes were past SDM (using a 9-item SDM questionnaire [SDMQ9]; score ranges transformed to 0-100), present SDM (Control Preferences Scale), and future SDM (self-reported confidence and motivation to engage in SDM) behavior.

Results

Among the 1313 respondents included in the study, most were female (1046 of 1313 [79.7%]) adult (1086 of 1313 [82.7%]) patients with a mean (SD) patient Recap of Atopic Eczema score of 11.7 (7.2), mean (SD) patient age of 39.5 (22.2) years, and mean (SD) SDMQ9 score of 65.1 (27.4). For present SDM, 479 of 966 (49.6%) reported “I prefer to make the final decision after seriously considering my doctor’s opinion,” and 655 of 955 (69.4%) reported being very or extremely confident to engage in SDM in the future. Those who reported feeling “very well informed” about the causes of eczema had a 14.7-point higher (95% CI, 9.2-20.2; P < .001, multiple linear regression) SDMQ9 score than those “not adequately informed” and were 3.4 times more likely (95% CI, 2.1-5.7; P < .001, multiple logistic regression) to be confident to engage in future SDM. Respondents reported that they would be motivated to engage in SDM if the clinician initiated SDM, valued input from the patient, and acknowledged that patients are experts on their own bodies or if a treatment is no longer working.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this survey study suggest that a majority of patients with eczema and caregivers prefer a large role in decision-making for their care and that clinicians can initiate and facilitate SDM to improve patient satisfaction with care.

The Multidimensional Burden of Atopic Dermatitis Among Adults: Results From a Large National Survey

Importance

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is long term and burdensome. Studies investigating disease burden in adults are limited in scope with gaps in understanding of the adult patient lived experience.

Objective

To describe the multidimensional burden of AD among mainly US adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This survey study for an externally led patient-focused drug development meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration on adult patients with AD was conducted between August 1, 2019, and October 11, 2019. Data were analyzed betwean March 26, 2021, and June 29, 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

We used multivariable ordinal regression to assess associations between demographic and clinical variables and patient-reported overall AD impact scores (ordinal scale from 1 [no impact] to 5 [significant impact]).

Results

Among 1065 survey respondents, 114 (11%) were aged 18 to 24 years, 235 (22%) were 25 to 34 years, 242 (23%) were 35 to 50 years, 288 (27%) were 51 to 64 years, and 186 (17%) were aged 65 years or older; 881 (83%) were women. Four hundred eighty-nine (46%) participants reported low-moderate AD impact scores (2-3), 544 (51%) reported high-significant impact scores (4-5), whereas 32 (3%) reported no association of AD with disease burden (impact score, 1). Variables strongly associated with overall impact scores were current AD severity (moderate: OR, 4.13; 95% CI, 2.94-5.79; severe: OR, 13.63; 95% CI, 8.65-21.50 vs mild), and time spent managing AD (11-20 hours: OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.77-4.03, ≥21 hours: OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 3.22-8.85, vs <5 hours).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this survey study, AD severity and time spent managing symptoms showed the strongest associations with disease burden. This analysis highlights the multidimensional burden of AD in adults and emphasizes the need for more effective treatment strategies that reduce the time patients spend managing their AD.

Bleach baths for atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis including unpublished data, Bayesian interpretation, and GRADE

BACKGROUND

Bleach bathing is frequently recommended to treat atopic dermatitis (AD), but its efficacy and safety are uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically synthesize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing bleach baths for AD.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and GREAT from inception to December 29, 2021, for RCTs assigning patients with AD to bleach vs no bleach baths. Paired reviewers independently and in duplicate screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (Cochrane version 2) and GRADE quality of evidence. We obtained unpublished data, harmonized individual patient data and did Frequentist and Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

There were 10 RCTs that enrolled 307 participants (median of mean age 7.2 years, Eczema Area Severity Index baseline mean of means 27.57 [median SD, 10.74]) for a median of 6 weeks (range, 4-10). We confirmed that other trials registered globally were terminated. Bleach baths probably improve AD severity (22% vs 32% improved Eczema Area Severity Index by 50% [ratio of means 0.78, 95% credible interval 0.59-0.99]; moderate certainty) and may slightly reduce skin Staphylococcal aureus colonization (risk ratio, 0.89 [95% confidence interval, 0.73-1.09]; low certainty). Adverse events, mostly dry skin and irritation, along with itch, patient-reported disease severity, sleep quality, quality of life, and risk of AD flares were not clearly different between groups and of low to very low certainty.

CONCLUSION

In patients with moderate-to-severe AD, bleach baths probably improve clinician-reported severity by a relative 22%. One in 10 will likely improve severity by 50%. Changes in other patient-important outcomes are uncertain. These findings support optimal eczema care and the need for additional large clinical trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42021238486.

The ICER review is in: hope amidst uncertainty

DISCLOSURES: No funding contributed to the writing of this commentary. Smith Begolka, Butler, and Guadalupe are salaried employees of the National Eczema Association, which has received grants and sponsorship awards from a variety of industry partners, including AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Incyte, LEO Pharma, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi. Smith Begolka has received grant funding from Pfizer and advisory board honoraria from Pfizer and Incyte. Butler and Guadalupe have received advisory board honoraria from Incyte.

Financial burden and impact of atopic dermatitis out-of-pocket healthcare expenses among black individuals in the United States

Black race is associated with increased atopic dermatitis (AD) severity and healthcare resource utilization. However, the burden of out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses among black individuals with AD is not well understood. We sought to characterize the categories and impact of OOP healthcare expenses associated with AD management among black individuals. A 25-question voluntary online survey was administered to National Eczema Association members (N = 113,502). Inclusion criteria (US residents age ≥ 18 years; self-report of AD or primary caregivers of individuals with AD) was met by 77.3% (1118/1447) of respondents. Black individuals with AD were younger, had lower household income, Medicaid, urban residence, poor AD control and frequent skin infections (P ≤ 0.02). Blacks vs. non-blacks reported more OOP costs for prescription medications covered (74.2% vs. 63.6%, P = 0.04) and not covered (65.1% vs. 46.5%, P = 0.0004) by insurance, emergency room visits (22.1% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.005), and outpatient laboratory testing (33.3% vs. 21.8%, P = 0.01). Black race was associated with increased household financial impact from OOP expenses (P = 0.0009), and predictors of financial impact included minimally controlled AD (adjusted OR [95% CI] 13.88 [1.63-117.96], P = 0.02), systemic therapy (4.34 [1.63-11.54], 0.003), > $200 monthly OOP expenses (14.28 [3.42-59.60], P = 0.0003), and Medicaid (4.02 [1.15-14.07], P = 0.03). Blacks with Medicaid had higher odds of harmful financial impact (3.32 [1.77-6.24], P = 0.0002) than those of black race (1.81 [1.04-3.15], P = 0.04) or with Medicaid (1.39 [1.02-1.88], P = 0.04) alone. Black race is associated with increased OOP costs for AD and significant household financial impact. Targeted interventions are needed to address financial disparities in AD.

Sleep Disturbance in School-Aged Children with Atopic Dermatitis: Prevalence and Severity in a Cross-Sectional Sample

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) causes sleep disturbance but the epidemiology is not known.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the US prevalence of sleep disturbance and its impact on psychological and neurocognitive function.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 180 parent-child dyads with AD using stratified sampling based on disease severity (Patient Oriented Eczema Measure: mild [n = 30), moderate (n = 75) or severe (n = 75]), age, and race (White or Black or African American or other). Symptoms of sleep and psychologic health were assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System. To estimate the prevalence of sleep disturbance, we calculated weights using poststratification adjustment making marginal frequencies of AD severity, race, and age similar to marginal frequencies in the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. Unweighted regression models examined associations with sleep disturbance.

RESULTS

In children age 5 to 17 years with AD, we estimated that sleep disturbance occurred in 66.9% (95% confidence interval, 53.3% to 80.5%; 3,116,305 children). The odds of severe sleep disturbance (worse than 95% of US children) were highest in moderate to severe versus mild AD (2.03 [1.00-4.10]; P = .0495; compared with 8.68 [1.82-41.49]; P = .0068). Predictors of parent proxy-reported sleep disturbance were itch intensity (adjusted β [95% confidence interval] 1.33 [0.62-2.04]) and low income (<$50,000: 6.64 [2.05-11.23]; and $50,000 to less than 100,000: 4.75 [0.35-9.14]). Controlling for disease severity, itch intensity, and significant sociodemographics-parent-proxy, reported sleep disturbance was associated with increased severity of sleep-related impairment, depression, fatigue, and anxiety, in addition to worse inattention and impulsivity. In fully adjusted models, children who self-reported sleep disturbance (T-score ≥60) had increased odds of sleep-related impairment (1.20 [1.11-1.29]), depression (1.13 [1.03, 1.24]), fatigue (1.28 [1.06-1.54]), and anxiety (1.16 [1.02-1.31]).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disturbance is a common symptom of AD. It affects about 3 million US children and is associated with neuropsychiatric impairment, including depression, anxiety, and inattention. Clinicians should screen for these symptoms in school-aged children, particularly those with moderate to severe AD.

Contribution of health care factors to the burden of skin disease in the United States

The American Academy of Dermatology has developed an up-to-date national Burden of Skin Disease Report on the impact of skin disease on patients and on the US population. In this second of 3 manuscripts, data are presented on specific health care dimensions that contribute to the overall burden of skin disease. Through the use of data derived from medical claims in 2013 for 24 skin disease categories, these results indicate that skin disease health care is delivered most frequently to the aging US population, who are afflicted with more skin diseases than other age groups. Furthermore, the overall cost of skin disease is highest within the commercially insured population, and skin disease treatment primarily occurs in the outpatient setting. Dermatologists provided approximately 30% of office visit care and performed nearly 50% of cutaneous surgeries. These findings serve as a critical foundation for future discussions on the clinical importance of skin disease and the value of dermatologic care across the population.

Guidelines for the use of local anesthesia in office-based dermatologic surgery

There are an increasing number and variety of dermatologic surgical procedures performed safely in the office setting. This evidence-based guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise regarding the use and safety of local anesthesia for dermatologic office-based procedures. In addition to recommendations for dermatologists, this guideline also takes into account patient preferences while optimizing their safety and quality of care. The clinical recommendations presented here are based on the best evidence available as well as expert opinion.

Early detection of melanoma: reviewing the ABCDEs

Over the course of their nearly 30-year history, the ABCD(E) criteria have been used globally in medical education and in the lay press to provide simple parameters for assessment of pigmented lesions that need to be further evaluated by a dermatologist. In this article, the efficacy and limitations of the ABCDE criteria as both a clinical tool and a public message will be reviewed.

Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: section 3. Management and treatment with phototherapy and systemic agents

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, pruritic inflammatory dermatosis that affects up to 25% of children and 2% to 3% of adults. This guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in atopic dermatitis management and care, providing recommendations based on the available evidence. In this third of 4 sections, treatment of atopic dermatitis with phototherapy and systemic immunomodulators, antimicrobials, and antihistamines is reviewed, including indications for use and the risk-benefit profile of each treatment option.

Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: section 1. Diagnosis and assessment of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic, inflammatory dermatosis that affects up to 25% of children and 2% to 3% of adults. This guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in the management and care of AD, providing updated and expanded recommendations based on the available evidence. In this first of 4 sections, methods for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease, outcomes measures for assessment, and common clinical associations that affect patients with AD are discussed. Known risk factors for the development of disease are also reviewed.