Epidemiology of Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis in East China and Parental Mental Health Impairment: A Cross‐Sectional Questionnaire Study

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most prevalent chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease in children. However, there are currently limited epidemiological data on children with AD in East China, and few studies have assessed its impact on parental anxiety and depression. Therefore, we aimed to explore the epidemiology of pediatric AD in Shanghai and its impact on parental anxiety and depression. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on pediatric patients with AD in Shanghai, China. The questionnaires were completed by the parents of patients attending the Department of Dermatology at Shanghai Children's Medical Center between January 1, 2023, and June 3, 2024. Disease severity was assessed using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA). RESULTS: A total of 1733 parents of children with AD completed the survey. The children had a mean age of 4.5 years (95% confidence interval: 4.4-4.7), and 54.00% were male. A history of cow's milk or egg white allergy, family history of atopic diseases, living near a street, and the absence of household pets were significantly associated with increased AD severity. Higher IGA scores were significantly associated with more severe itching and sleep disturbance, as well as elevated parental Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores, including both the anxiety and depression subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Both genetic predisposition and environmental exposures were associated with increased AD severity in children. Greater disease severity was associated with higher parental psychological burden, highlighting the importance of family-centered management strategies.