Revealing the Unseen Burden: A Comprehensive Analysis of Social and Economic Burden of Atopic Dermatitis on Patients, Caregivers, and Their Perception on the Health System´s Response to Their Unmet Needs in Argentina

OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a multidimensional burden that encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, social, and economic dimensions. This study aimed to estimate the socioeconomic burden of pediatric and adult AD in patients and caregivers in Argentina, as well as to explore the response of the health system to their needs.

METHODS: This cross-sectional cost‐of‐illness study have applied a societal perspective. Data were collected between May 2023 and September 2023 in Argentina. Adult patients and caregivers of children with AD below 18 years of age were recruited, and sociodemographic data, out-of-pocket expenses, lost work productivity, time spent on caregiving, lost school days, and quality of life data were collected. Focus groups and in-depth interviews were also conducted. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe and determine the relationship between independent variables and the burden associated with AD.

RESULTS: 1471 subjects participated in the pediatric analysis, and 1,412 in the adult subsample. The average annual cost per adult patient with AD was USD 2,639, whereas the average annual cost per children with AD was estimated at USD 6,958. Costs increased significantly with disease severity in both groups. Mean health related quality of life was 0.87 ( EQ-5D-5L index) for adults and 0.69 for children (EQ-5D-5Y); while the CarerQol-Tariff was 45.89 for caregivers of children with AD. Patients and caregivers highlighted the poor response of the health system in terms of adequate and timely access and comprehensive care of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients and caregivers suffer from a high economic burden and lower quality of life associated with AD, which requires urgent attention and comprehensive support from the healthcare system to improve their lives.