Janice Chung1, Eric L Simpson2. 1. Creighton University, School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska. 2. Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon. Electronic address: simpsone@ohsu.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review the current state of the literature regarding the socioeconomics of atopic dermatitis (AD)-more specifically how socioeconomic status (SES) affects AD risk and how the presence of AD may affect one's SES-as well as discuss the cost of the disease to society. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed search was performed to include English-language articles with the keywords atopic dermatitis, cost, finances, economic, income, career, socioeconomic, with preference to those written in the last 5 years. STUDY SELECTIONS: Studies were included if they provided information pertaining to socioeconomics in relation to disease severity, disease incidence, direct costs, indirect costs, and effects on work, education, and career choice. RESULTS: Many studies have reported that higher SES is associated with increased AD prevalence, whereas lower SES is associated with increased AD severity. Regardless of patient SES, AD creates substantial direct costs that affect the patient, patient's family, and the payer. Additionally, the effects of the disease create indirect costs from absenteeism and presenteeism, as well as opportunity costs from hinderances in learning, affecting patient SES and the economy. CONCLUSION: Given the substantial and growing burden on the patient and the economy when access to appropriate treatment is limited, the socioeconomic burden of AD represents a tangible public health concern that must be addressed.
OBJECTIVE: To review the current state of the literature regarding the socioeconomics of atopic dermatitis (AD)-more specifically how socioeconomic status (SES) affects AD risk and how the presence of AD may affect one's SES-as well as discuss the cost of the disease to society. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed search was performed to include English-language articles with the keywords atopic dermatitis, cost, finances, economic, income, career, socioeconomic, with preference to those written in the last 5 years. STUDY SELECTIONS: Studies were included if they provided information pertaining to socioeconomics in relation to disease severity, disease incidence, direct costs, indirect costs, and effects on work, education, and career choice. RESULTS: Many studies have reported that higher SES is associated with increased AD prevalence, whereas lower SES is associated with increased AD severity. Regardless of patient SES, AD creates substantial direct costs that affect the patient, patient's family, and the payer. Additionally, the effects of the disease create indirect costs from absenteeism and presenteeism, as well as opportunity costs from hinderances in learning, affecting patient SES and the economy. CONCLUSION: Given the substantial and growing burden on the patient and the economy when access to appropriate treatment is limited, the socioeconomic burden of AD represents a tangible public health concern that must be addressed.
Authors: Elena Galli; Bianca Cinicola; Rossella Carello; Silvia Caimmi; Giulia Brindisi; Giovanna De Castro; Anna Maria Zicari; Maria Angela Tosca; Sara Manti; Alberto Martelli; Mauro Calvani; Claudio Cravidi; Gian Luigi Marseglia; Fabio Cardinale; Michele Miraglia Del Giudice; Carlo Caffarelli; Marzia Duse Journal: Acta Biomed Date: 2020-09-15