The Impact on Family with Children Having Atopic Dermatitis: A Correlational Study

DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC15.46

Authors: Ka Yee Cora Lo, Mei Kuen Li, Chong Kwan Chan, Ling Fung Chau, Tat Yin Jason Cheuk, Hei Man Kwan, Wai Chi Lam, Ka Man Lee, Wing Shan Megan Li, Man Chi Tong and Sandy Wong

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common and prevalent skin disorder in children, requiring special home care in preventing its relapse. This burden of care, however, rests on their family members, and induces great impact on family function. The need for more resource allocation to family with children having severe AD is uncertain. A study was therefore conducted to examine the relationship between the severity of AD in children and its impact on the family in Hong Kong. METHODS, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The study employed a cross-sectional and correlational design. A convenience sample of 60 parents with children diagnosed with AD participated in the survey, with a response rate of 84.5{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465}. About 70{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} of the participants were female, with a mean age of 38+6.74. The Nottingham Eczema Severity Score was adopted to identify the severity of AD into mild, moderate or severe type. Half of the participants’ children (51.7{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465}) suffered from moderate AD and 13.3{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} identified as severe AD. The impact on family caring for the AD children was assessed by the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI). The mean DFI score was 11.05 + 5.1, representing a moderate impact on family. Moreover, a moderate positive correlation between the severity of AD and the impact on family (r = +0.497, p = 0.000) was detected. It is evidenced that more resources should be allocated to family caring for children with more severe AD in order to reduce their care burden and improve the health outcomes of the children. CONCLUSION This study provided an insight on additional resource allocation and support to family caring for children with more severe AD in Hong Kong.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis, Family impact and Burden of care