The mental health of caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis at Tygerberg hospital
Date
2023-12
Authors
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY: Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and often debilitating illness for children but also has a significant effect on caregiver quality of life (QOL) and mental health. Aim: To explore the relationship between AD in children on the QOL and the mental health of their caregivers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients and their caregivers attending the Dermatology Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants were recruited between February 2021 and August 2021. Results: Most of the children in this study experienced mild AD symptoms. Almost 90% of the children had an identifiable trigger, with the most common triggers being an environmental temperature change (66.7%) and stress (57.4%). We noted a weak but significant correlation between QOL and AD severity (rs = 0.395, p = 0.003) and a strong positive correlation between the caregivers’ QOL and their mental health (rs = 0.650, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of uncomplicated and rapid screening tools for caregiver mental health and QOL should be implemented when treating patients with AD. Understanding the burden and allowing room for mitigation of these modifiable factors will play a large role in ensuring a better therapeutic outcome for those children with a chronic illness like AD.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2023.