Evaluating a School-Based Public Health Intervention for Self-Management in Children with Atopic Dermatitis: A Non-Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based experiential self-management program for children with atopic dermatitis (AD) based on Roy's adaptation theory.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were collected from June to August 2021, with 33 children in the experimental group and 32 in the control group. Participants were 10- to 11-year-old elementary school children who reported having AD symptoms within the past year and were able to complete self-report questionnaires. The program consisted of seven weekly school-based sessions that included disease education, symptom management techniques, skin care practices, nutritional guidance, and self-esteem enhancement activities. Outcomes, including AD severity, disease-related knowledge, adaptive behavior, self-esteem, and quality of life, were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and four weeks post-intervention using Generalized Estimating Equation analysis.

RESULTS

The experimental group showed significant improvements in AD severity (SCORAD: 22.80 ± 3.18 to 17.75 ± 2.24), disease-related knowledge (10.64 ± 2.00 to 13.64 ± 1.39), adaptive behavior (3.55 ± 1.70 to 10.58 ± 2.45), self-esteem (26.18 ± 4.76 to 31.55 ± 3.46), and quality of life (90.24 ± 11.07 to 100.27 ± 9.76), while the control group remained unchanged. Improvements were sustained four weeks post-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This program effectively reduced AD severity and enhanced knowledge, adaptive behavior, self-esteem, and quality of life in children with AD.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

School-based self-management programs effectively enhance disease knowledge, adaptive behaviors, and quality of life in children with AD.