Perceived unmet needs and associated factors in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is chronic eczematous skin disorder characterized by itching sensation and dryness of skin. Although there are many studies on epidemiology of AD patients, there are no previous reports of literature focusing on the unmet need in AD. We investigated Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2011. In this survey, the questionnaires for unmet need and basic demographic information are contained. A total number of 860 patients diagnosed as atopic dermatitis were enrolled. Among them, a total of 227 patients experienced at least one episode of unmet need during the last year. Bivariate analysis between the patients with unmet need and those without revealed statistical difference in sex, age, employment, physical discomfort, anddepressive mood during the previous 2 weeks; also difference was noted in the presence of abnormal breath sound on exercise related to the severity of pulmonary diseases and limited routine activities. In addition, on multiple logistic regression analysis, there was statistical difference in sex, employment, physical discomfort, presence of asthma, abnormal breath sound on exercise, and stress on routine life. This is the first report regarding unmet need in Korean AD patients and we have to pay more attention to unsatisfied medical supports.