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Ford T, Talbot A, Hayward G, Tonkin-Crine S, Ziebland S, McNiven A. Managing recurrent vulvovaginal thrush from patient and healthcare professional perspectives: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 118:108004. [PMID: 37826917 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.108004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to identify what is known about patient and healthcare professional experiences of managing recurrent vulvovaginal thrush by synthesising published findings. METHODS Five databases were searched for studies on patient and healthcare professional experiences managing recurrent thrush. Two reviewers independently screened and quality assessed qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Findings from eligible studies were thematically synthesised. RESULTS 720 papers were identified, and 29 were included. Four descriptive themes were developed to depict the repeated management of recurrent thrush. These themes were: (re)experiencing impacts, (re)identifying recurrent thrush, (re)considering consultations, and (re)trying treatments. An analytic high-order frame of 'interwoven and reoccurring uncertainties' was used to understand these themes. CONCLUSIONS Patients and healthcare providers face uncertainties when managing recurrent thrush. The inconsistencies raised across papers suggests an unaddressed gap in knowledge about patient experiences and their informational and support needs; this includes insights about this condition's diagnosis, management, treatment, impacts, and meaning. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This review has implications for patient education, health promotion, and communication between patients and providers. Our interpretations suggest the need for more research and resources to help support patients and clinicians in managing this condition to promote more understanding, communication, and collaborative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori Ford
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Amelia Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gail Hayward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sue Ziebland
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Abigail McNiven
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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McNiven A, Ryan S. Unsettling experiences: A qualitative inquiry into young peoples’ narratives of diagnosis for common skin conditions in the United Kingdom. Front Psychol 2022; 13:968012. [PMID: 36186350 PMCID: PMC9521611 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.968012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are relatively prevalent health concerns in children, adolescents and young adults. Experiences of these dermatology diagnoses in adolescence have hitherto not been the focus of research, perhaps owing to assumptions that these diagnoses are not particularly impactful or intricate processes, events or labels. We draw on a thematic secondary analysis of in-depth interviews with 42 adolescents and young people living in the United Kingdom and, influenced by the sociologies of diagnosis and time, highlight the psychological, emotional, social and temporal complexities involved in their diagnosis experiences. Firstly, we describe how participants remembered, re- and co-constructed their diagnosis experiences during the interview. Secondly, we explore the pace and rhythm of diagnosis, including mis-diagnoses, highlighting the jarring potential for adolescents on being diagnosed, even for conditions typically deemed minor. Thirdly, we consider the ways in which these diagnoses have the capacity to reformulate notions of past, present and future, including projecting into imagined futures and reinterpreting past bodily sensations. Finally, we examine how memories about and the meaning of diagnosis are revisited, revised and potentially replaced as a child or adolescent grows older, and increases their management of their condition and encounters with healthcare professionals. In unsettling an assumption that diagnosis experiences for adolescents of common skin conditions is unproblematic or straightforward, our qualitative analysis critically engages with and contribute to tenets of health research that are of interest to quantitative and qualitative researchers, clinicians and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail McNiven
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Abigail McNiven,
| | - Sara Ryan
- Department of Social Care and Social Work, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, North West England, United Kingdom
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Ip A, Muller I, Geraghty AWA, Rumsby K, Stuart B, Little P, Santer M. Supporting Self-management Among Young People With Acne Vulgaris Through a Web-Based Behavioral Intervention: Development and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2021; 4:e25918. [PMID: 37632804 PMCID: PMC10334953 DOI: 10.2196/25918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acne is a common skin condition that is most prevalent in young people. It can have a substantial impact on the quality of life, which can be minimized with the appropriate use of topical treatments. Nonadherence to topical treatments for acne is common and often leads to treatment failure. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to develop a web-based behavioral intervention to support the self-management of acne and to assess the feasibility of recruitment, retention, and engagement of users with the intervention. METHODS The intervention was developed iteratively using the LifeGuide software and following the person-based approach for intervention development. The target behavior was appropriate use of topical treatments. Barriers and facilitators identified from the qualitative research and evidence from the wider literature were used to identify techniques to improve and promote their use. Young people with acne aged 14-25 years who had received treatment for acne in the past 6 months were invited to participate through mail-out from primary care practices in the South of England in a parallel, unblinded randomized trial. Participants were automatically randomized using a computer-generated algorithm to usual care or to usual care plus access to the web-based intervention. Usage data was collected, and a series of questionnaires, including the primary outcome measure for skin-specific quality of life (Skindex-16), were collected at baseline and at the 4- and 6-week follow-ups. RESULTS A total of 1193 participants were invited, and 53 young people with acne were randomized to usual care (27/53, 51%) or usual care plus intervention (26/53, 49%). The response rate for the primary outcome measure (Skindex-16) was 87% at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and at both time points. The estimate of mean scores between groups (with 95% CI) using linear regression showed a trend in the direction of benefit for the web-based intervention group in the primary outcome measure (Skindex-16) and secondary measures (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 and the Problematic Experiences of Therapy Scale). Intervention usage data showed high uptake of the core module in the usual care plus web-based intervention group, with 88% (23/26) of participants completing the module. Uptake of the optional modules was low, with less than half visiting each (myth-busting quiz: 27%; living with spots or acne: 42%; oral antibiotics: 19%; what are spots or acne: 27%; other treatments: 27%; talking to your general practitioner: 12%). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the feasibility of delivering a trial of a web-based intervention to support self-management in young people with acne. Additional work is needed before a full definitive trial, including enhancing engagement with the intervention, recruitment, and follow-up rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN 78626638; https://tinyurl.com/n4wackrw.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Ip
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrid Muller
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Adam W A Geraghty
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Rumsby
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Santer
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Ip A, Muller I, Geraghty AWA, Platt D, Little P, Santer M. Views and experiences of people with acne vulgaris and healthcare professionals about treatments: systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041794. [PMID: 33526498 PMCID: PMC7853035 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to systematically review and synthesise qualitative papers exploring views and experiences of acne and its treatments among people with acne, their carers and healthcare professionals (HCPs). DESIGN Systematic review and synthesis of qualitative papers. METHODS Papers were identified through Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, PsychINFO and CINAHL on 05 November 2019, forward and backward citation searching, Google Scholar and contacting authors. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting qualitative data and analysis, studies carried out among people with acne, their carers or HCPs and studies comprising different skin conditions, including acne. The title and abstracts of papers were independently screened by three researchers. Appraisal was carried out using the adapted Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Thematic synthesis was used to synthesise findings. RESULTS A total of 20 papers were included from six countries. Papers explored; experiences living with acne, psychosocial impact of acne, views on causation of acne, perceptions of acne treatments, ambivalence and ambiguity in young people's experience of acne and HCPs' attitudes towards acne management. Findings suggest that people often viewed acne as short-term and that this had implications for acne management, particularly long-term treatment adherence. People often felt that the substantial impact of acne was not recognised by others, or that their condition was 'trivialised' by HCPs. The sense of a lack of control over acne and control over treatment was linked to both psychological impact and treatment adherence. Concerns and uncertainty over acne treatments were influenced by variable advice and information from others. CONCLUSIONS People need support with understanding the long-term management of acne, building control over acne and its treatments, acknowledging the impact and appropriate information to reduce the barriers to effective treatment use. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42016050525.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Ip
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Ingrid Muller
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Adam W A Geraghty
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Duncan Platt
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Little
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Miriam Santer
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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de Vere Hunt IJ, McNiven A, Roberts A, Parmar H, McPherson T. 'Not just a piece of skin in front of you'-a qualitative exploration of the experiences of adolescents with eczema and psoriasis with healthcare professionals. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041108. [PMID: 33514575 PMCID: PMC7849900 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little qualitative research in the UK focussing on adolescents' experience of their healthcare providers, and inflammatory skin conditions are a common heath problem in adolescence. AIM To explore the experiences of adolescents with eczema and psoriasis with healthcare professionals, and to distil the participants' key messages for their healthcare providers. DESIGN This is a secondary thematic analysis of interviews with adolescents with eczema or psoriasis. PARTICIPANTS There were a total of 41 text transcripts of interviews with young people with eczema or psoriasis who had given permission for secondary analysis; 23 of the participants had eczema, and 18 psoriasis. Participants were living in the UK at time of interview, and aged 15-24 years old. RESULTS We have distilled the following key messages from young people with eczema and psoriasis for healthcare providers: (1) address the emotional impact; (2) give more information, with the subtheme and (3) appreciate patient research. We identified the following eczema-specific themes: (ECZ-4) 'It's not taken seriously'; (ECZ-5) offer choice in treatment and (ECZ-6) lack of structure/conflicting advice. Two psoriasis-specific themes were identified: (PSO-4) feeling dehumanised/treat me as a person; and (PSO-5) think about how treatments will affect daily life. CONCLUSION This qualitative data analysis highlights the need for greater recognition of the emotional impact of skin disease in adolescence, and for more comprehensive provision of information about the conditions. We call for greater sensitivity and flexibility in our approach to adolescents with skin disease, with important implications for healthcare delivery to this group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abigail McNiven
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amanda Roberts
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Tess McPherson
- Department of Dermatology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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Greenwell K, Ghio D, Muller I, Roberts A, McNiven A, Lawton S, Santer M. Taking charge of eczema self-management: a qualitative interview study with young people with eczema. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044005. [PMID: 33408215 PMCID: PMC7789449 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore young people's experiences of eczema self-management and interacting with health professionals. DESIGN Secondary qualitative data analysis of data sets from two semistructured interview studies. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. SETTING Participants were recruited from the UK primary care, dermatology departments and a community-based sample (eg, patient representative groups, social media). PARTICIPANTS Data included 28 interviews with young people with eczema aged 13-25 years (mean age=19.5 years; 20 female). RESULTS Although topical treatments were generally perceived as effective, young people expressed doubts about their long-term effectiveness, and concerns around the safety and an over-reliance on topical corticosteroids. Participants welcomed the opportunity to take an active role in their eczema management, but new roles and responsibilities also came with initial apprehension and challenges, including communicating their treatment concerns and preferences with health professionals, feeling unprepared for transition to an adult clinic and obtaining treatments. Decisions regarding whether to engage in behaviours that would exacerbate their eczema (eg, irritants/triggers, scratching) were influenced by young people's beliefs regarding negative consequences of these behaviours, and perceived control over the behaviour and its negative consequences. CONCLUSIONS Behavioural change interventions must address the treatment concerns of young people and equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take an active role in their own eczema management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Greenwell
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Daniela Ghio
- Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Psychology, School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, UK
| | - Ingrid Muller
- Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Amanda Roberts
- Centre of Evidence-Based Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Abigail McNiven
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Sandra Lawton
- Dermatology Department, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Rotherham, UK
| | - Miriam Santer
- Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Ghio D, Greenwell K, Muller I, Roberts A, McNiven A, Santer M. Psychosocial needs of adolescents and young adults with eczema: A secondary analysis of qualitative data to inform a behaviour change intervention. Br J Health Psychol 2020; 26:214-231. [PMID: 32844574 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore adolescents and young adults' experiences of symptoms related to their eczema in order to determine their psychosocial needs. DESIGN A secondary qualitative analysis of two data sources collected through semi-structured interviews for two different projects, SKINS project and Eczema Care Online project. METHODS In total, there were 28 transcripts with adolescents and young adults with eczema having a mean age of 19.5 years available to analyse. Interview data were collected from face-to-face interviews that were recorded and transcribed. Inductive thematic analysis explored data about symptoms and organized according to psychosocial needs. RESULTS Adolescents and young adults with eczema experience both visible symptoms (such as flaky, dry, and inflamed skin) and invisible symptoms (such as itch, pain, exhaustion, and mental distress) that elicit different psychosocial needs. These psychosocial needs are to (i) be understood; (ii) be perceived as normal; and (iii) receive emotional support. Interviewees described a struggle between wanting their peers and family to understand but take their eczema seriously whilst not wanting to stand out and instead to be perceived as 'normal', which they would define as being perceived as other adolescents. This has implications on behaviours, such as seeking support, avoiding going out, hiding their skin, as well as emotional implications, such as social isolation and feeling anxious and low. CONCLUSIONS Having a better understanding of young people's experiences and psychosocial needs will provide a framework on how best to support adolescents and young adults when managing symptoms related to eczema. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Eczema has a high impact on children and is considered a burden by children and adults with eczema. However, it is unclear what impact eczema has on adolescents and young adults. Adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions are known to be vulnerable to negative psychosocial outcomes but psychosocial needs and how to best support this age group with eczema are unknown What does this add? Three psychosocial needs were developed from evaluating the impact of visible and invisible symptoms of eczema: The need to feel understood (mostly reflective of invisible symptoms such as itch and pain and visible symptoms such as scratching). The need to be perceived as 'normal': visible symptoms such as flaky, inflamed skin make them stand out in comparison with their peers and a need emerged to blend in. The need for emotional support: adolescents and young adults searched for this from their health care providers, from shared experiences and from online resources. Adolescents and young adults with eczema appear to feel ambivalent about wishing the impact of the condition to be acknowledged whilst wishing the condition to be invisible to others. This ambivalence had further impact on feeling self-conscious, seeking support, and dealing with unsolicited advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ghio
- Primary Care and Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Greenwell
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Ingrid Muller
- Primary Care and Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Amanda Roberts
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Abigail McNiven
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | - Miriam Santer
- Primary Care and Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
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Ip A, Muller I, Geraghty AWA, McNiven A, Little P, Santer M. Young people's perceptions of acne and acne treatments: secondary analysis of qualitative interview data. Br J Dermatol 2019; 183:349-356. [PMID: 31701523 PMCID: PMC7496424 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.18684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition affecting approximately 95% of adolescents to some extent. First‐line treatments are topical preparations but nonadherence is common. A substantial proportion of patients take long courses of oral antibiotics, associated with antibiotic resistance. Objectives This study aimed to explore young people's views and experiences of acne and its treatments. Methods We report a secondary thematic analysis of interview data collected by researchers in the Health Experiences Research Group (HERG), University of Oxford. A total of 25 transcripts from young people aged 13–24 years with acne were included. Results Acne is often perceived as a short‐term self‐limiting condition of adolescence and this appears to have implications for seeking treatment or advice. Participants widely perceived topical treatments as being ineffective, which seemed related to unrealistic expectations around speed of onset of action. Many participants felt they had tried all available topical treatments, although were unsure what was in them or unaware of differences between cosmetic and pharmaceutical treatments. They had concerns around how to use topicals ‘properly’ and how to avoid side‐effects. They were also concerned about the side‐effects or necessity of oral treatments, although few seemed aware of antibiotic resistance. Conclusions People with acne need support to manage their condition effectively, particularly a better understanding of different topicals, how to use them and how to avoid side‐effects. Unrealistic expectations about the onset of action of treatments appears to be a common cause of frustration and nonadherence. Directing people towards accessible evidence‐based information is crucial. What's already known about this topic? There is a common perception that acne is a short‐term condition that will resolve without treatment. Previous research has shown that nonadherence to topical treatments is common and that oral antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed treatment for acne in the U.K. Further research is needed to understand how young people perceive acne treatments and the implications of this for treatment adherence and self‐management.
What does this study add? People often said they had tried all available topical preparations for acne, but seemed confused between cosmetic and pharmaceutical treatments. People seemed unsure how to use topical treatments ‘properly’ or how to avoid side‐effects. This was rarely discussed with health professionals. People's perception of acne as a short‐term condition appeared to influence their expectations around onset of action of treatment and their views about its effectiveness and necessity.
What are the clinical implications of the work? The perception of acne as a short‐term condition has implications for self‐management and motivation to seek and adhere to treatments. Providing advice about onset of action of treatments and how to prevent side‐effects is crucial, including directing people towards accessible, written, evidence‐based information. People's confusion about the different topical treatments available may be alleviated by such information, or by encouraging photos or other recordings of treatments tried and for how long.
Linked Comment: Prior. Br J Dermatol 2020; 183:208–209. Linked Comment: Prior. Br J Dermatol 2020; 183:208–209. Plain language summary available online
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ip
- Primary Care and Population Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K
| | - I Muller
- Primary Care and Population Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K
| | - A W A Geraghty
- Primary Care and Population Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K
| | - A McNiven
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, U.K
| | - P Little
- Primary Care and Population Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K
| | - M Santer
- Primary Care and Population Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K
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Ghio D, Muller I, Greenwell K, Roberts A, McNiven A, Langan SM, Santer M. 'It's like the bad guy in a movie who just doesn't die': a qualitative exploration of young people's adaptation to eczema and implications for self-care. Br J Dermatol 2019; 182:112-118. [PMID: 31021418 PMCID: PMC6972719 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.18046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eczema is a common childhood inflammatory skin condition, affecting more than one in five children. A popular perception is that children 'outgrow eczema', although epidemiological studies have shown that, for many, eczema follows a lifelong episodic course. OBJECTIVES To explore the perceptions of young people about the nature of their eczema and how these perceptions relate to their self-care and adapting to living with eczema. METHODS This is a secondary inductive thematic analysis of interviews conducted for Healthtalk.org. In total 23 interviews with young people with eczema were included. Of the 23 participants, 17 were female and six male, ranging from 17 to 25 years old. RESULTS Participants generally experienced eczema as an episodic long-term condition and reported a mismatch between information received about eczema and their experiences. The experience of eczema as long term and episodic had implications for self-care, challenging the process of identifying triggers of eczema flare-ups and evaluating the success of treatment regimens. Participants' experiences of eczema over time also had implications for adaptation and finding a balance between accepting eczema as long term and hoping it would go away. This linked to a gradual shift in treatment expectations from 'cure' to 'control' of eczema. CONCLUSIONS For young people who continue to experience eczema beyond childhood, a greater focus on self-care for a long-term condition may be helpful. Greater awareness of the impact of early messages around 'growing out of' eczema and provision of high-quality information may help patients to manage expectations and support adaptation to treatment regimens. What's already known about this topic? There is a common perception that people 'grow out of' eczema, but for many people eczema follows a lifelong episodic course. Qualitative work has shown that parents can find that being told their child will grow out of eczema is dismissive, and that they have difficulty with messages about 'control not cure' of eczema. It is unclear how young people perceive their eczema and the implications of this perception for their adaptation and self-care. What does this study add? The message that many people 'grow out of' eczema has a potentially detrimental effect for young people where the condition persists. This has implications for young people's perceptions of their eczema, their learning to self-care and how they adapt to living with eczema and eczema treatments. What are the clinical implications of this work? Clinicians need to promote awareness among young people that eczema is a long-term episodic condition in order to engage them with effective self-care. Young people transitioning to self-care need evidence-based information that is specific and relatable to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ghio
- Primary Care and Population Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K
| | - I Muller
- Primary Care and Population Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K
| | - K Greenwell
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K
| | - A Roberts
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, U.K
| | - A McNiven
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, U.K
| | - S M Langan
- Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, U.K.,Health Data Research U.K., London, U.K
| | - M Santer
- Primary Care and Population Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K
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