Impact of childhood psoriasis on parents of affected children

Publication date: February 2017
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 76, Issue 2
Author(s): Megha M. Tollefson, Dawn M. Finnie, Jennifer J. Schoch, David T. Eton
BackgroundChildhood diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, have a negative impact on quality of life (QoL) of parents. How pediatric psoriasis affects a parent's QoL is unknown.ObjectiveTo explore the impact of childhood psoriasis on the lives of the parents.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 31 parents of children with psoriasis. Narrative data were analyzed and a conceptual framework of the effects of childhood psoriasis on parents was developed.ResultsAll parents reported that their child's psoriasis caused a substantial, negative impact on their own QoL. A conceptual framework showed a negative impact on health and self-care, emotional well-being, family and social function, personal well-being, and life pursuits. Emotional well-being was the most affected domain.LimitationsIt was not possible to correlate psoriasis severity with parental QoL.ConclusionChildhood psoriasis alters the QoL of parents in multiple ways. Information from this study can be used to develop a QoL instrument to explore treatment and support strategies for families affected by pediatric psoriasis.



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