Factors associated with the health-related quality of life of adolescents with atopic dermatitis in South Korea: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) in adolescents has received less attention than AD in infants and children. However, AD can persist or worsen after school age and affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) beyond adolescence. This study aimed to examine HRQoL and its associated factors among adolescents with AD, guided by Roy's Adaptation Model. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2023 and included adolescents aged 13-18 years with AD. Data on symptom experience, body image, peer relationships, self-management, HRQoL, and general and disease-related characteristics were collected using self-report questionnaires and electronic medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 97 adolescents with AD participated in the study, including 60 males (61.9%) and 37 females (38.1%). Participants were aged 13-18 years, with a mean age of 15.8±1.7 years. HRQoL was negatively correlated with symptom experience and positively correlated with body image, peer relationships, and self-management. Multiple regression analysis showed that allergen sensitization, symptom experience, and self-management were significantly associated with HRQoL, explaining approximately 40.0% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Symptom experience and self-management were identified as key factors associated with HRQoL among adolescents with AD. Interventions aimed at reducing symptom burden and promoting active self-management are essential for improving HRQoL. These findings highlight the need to support adolescents' independence and underscore the importance of personalized education and effective self-management programs.