731 - Quality of life in atopic dermatitis: the patient perspective

Abstract Introduction Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a cutaneous disease affecting all ages and demographics. Even in an era of biological treatments, many patients continue to struggle with disease factors that influence their overall quality of life. Objectives This study aims to highlight perceived influential factors related to QOL in atopic dermatitis from patient-reported experiences. Methods This study is an IRB-approved cross-sectional survey of patients with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis at a single academic institution. The survey was conducted via phone calls. Patients were asked to self-report information related to their diagnosis, comorbidities, residential community, and factors that contribute to quality of life. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS. Results Sixty-four patients agreed to participate in the survey, with a response rate of 78%. Responders were mostly female (55%) with a mean age of 41 and were racially diverse (White/Caucasian) 48%, Black or African American 36%, and Asian or Asian American 16%). Self-reported disease severity was labeled as mild (17%), moderate (33%), or severe (50%). Many patients had psychiatric comorbidities (anxiety 39%, depression 22%). Subjective feelings of being less attractive or less confident due to AD were significant on logistic regression in those with severe disease (p=0.048, OR 2.78, CI (1.0-7.6) and female gender (p=0.007). The severe group also reported experiencing prior judgment or discrimination (63%) and felt their work or school performance had been affected by their AD (47%), more commonly in males (p=0.026). Differences in race were not significant. Most patients reported itch as being the most bothersome symptom (66%). When asked to choose the top factors contributing to their quality of life related to their AD, symptom burden was the most common (88%) followed by time spent obtaining medical care (45%), and treatment regimen difficulty (39%). More than one in every ten patients (16%) reported that their life goals or dreams had been affected by their disease. Conclusion The psychosocial implications of atopic dermatitis remain a significant barrier to patient-perceived quality of life. While symptomatic management remains a large proponent of barriers to QOL improvement, perceived stigmatization anecdotally affects those with AD to a significant degree. Further studies and interventions are needed to discern specific areas of improvement for QOL in atopic dermatitis.