Changing Caregivers' awareness on atopic dermatitis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this study investigates the change in the awareness of the caregivers of atopic dermatitis (AD)' children, through questionnaires conducted in 2006 and 2013. METHODS: A questionnaire of 15 items about the diagnosis and management of AD was done to survey a total of 146 caregivers participating in Atopy Friendly School Program in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 2013. A comparison analysis was used to compare the results of the surveys conducted in 2006 and 2013. RESULTS: Diagnosis of AD by doctor has increased while that by traditional Korean medical (TKM) doctor has decreased, but it was not statistically significant (P=0.07). Self-treatment has increased while the treatment by doctor remained similar. Treatment by TKM doctor has decreased. Overall change in medical institutions was statistically significant (P=0.01). The use of emollient has significantly increased while the use of topical steroid and oral medication has decreased with no statistically significant difference. Food restriction has significantly decreased (P=0.00), but it is still recognized as an important treatment option in 2013. As for the frequency of the emollient use, using it once a day has decreased whereas using it 2-3 times a day has increased, but there was no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Caregivers' awareness on AD has improved through 2006 to 2013 with the education provided by academic societies and government, but the accurate understanding of the disease still needs improvement. The future education should focus on the selection of appropriate healthcare services as well as the specific self-management strategies.