Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Health-related Quality of Life and Productivity in Adults in the United States: An Analysis Using the National Health and Wellness Survey

Background: Given its public health impact, there is need for broad and representative data on the humanistic burden of atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective: To establish the humanistic burden of AD in US adults.

Methods: Data were from the 2013 US National Health and Wellness Survey; AD self-reports were propensity-matched with non-AD controls and with psoriasis controls. Bivariate analyses were conducted on burden outcomes between the AD and control groups.

Results: Demographics and baseline characteristics were comparable between matched groups. Subjects with AD (n = 349) versus non-AD controls (n = 698) had significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders (29.8%, 31.2%, and 33.2% vs 16.1%, 17.3%, and 19.2%, respectively [all P < .001]); a lower Short Form-36 v2 mental component summary score (44.5 vs 48.0, respectively [P < .001]); a lower physical component summary score (47.6 vs 49.5, respectively [P = .004]), and lower health utilities (0.67 vs 0.72, respectively [P < .001]) in addition to a higher work absenteeism rate (9.9% vs 3.6%, respectively [P < .001]) and activity impairment rate (33.6% vs 25.2%, respectively [P < .001]). Subjects with AD and psoriasis controls (n = 260 each) showed similar impairment in health-related quality of life and productivity.

Limitations: Data were self-reported.

Conclusion: AD is associated with a substantial humanistic burden that is similar in magnitude to that of psoriasis, which is also recognized for its debilitating symptoms, indicating the need for more effective treatments for AD.