Qualitative study with mothers of children with atopic dermatitis: emotional and social impacts.

Abstract

Introduction: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disease in childhood and its control requires the support of the family members. This disease significantly interferes with the Quality of Life (QoL) of children and families, however, literature on the social and emotional impact of the disease on the caregivers is lacking.

Objective: To evaluate the emotional and social impact of AD on mothers of children with the disease.

Method: This is a qualitative study of semi-structured interviews with mothers of children diagnosed with AD. The following variables were evaluated: diagnosis and start of treatment, knowledge about the disease, and impact on the mothers' lives. The material was analyzed using Lawrence Bardin's content analysis technique. The AD severity was assessed by SCORAD.

Results: A total of 23 interviews were conducted with mothers of children diagnosed with AD. In 82.6% of the cases, the mothers presented conflicts in the face of the first contacts with the disease. In 43.5% of cases, mothers were solely responsible for their children's treatment. About 56.6% defined AD as a cause of suffering and difficulty and 21.7% pointed out the AD experience as a learning experience.

Conclusion: The AD is a chronic disease that has a psychological and social impact on the lives of mothers. In the treatment of AD, mothers must be screened and offered psychological support to improve adherence to treatment in the long term.