Anxiety, depression and associated factors among caretakers of children with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among caretakers of children with atopic dermatitis (AD) and associated factors is unclear. The study was designed to explore anxiety and depression symptoms among caretakers of AD, and screen factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms. METHODS: A total of 901 children with AD and their caretakers were continuously enrolled and interviewed at dermatology department of Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China. Children’s medication was administered by their caretakers. Caretakers’ anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, while medication compliance was evaluated and divided into poor (< 6 points), moderate (6–7 points), and good (> 7 points) by Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Multilevel ordered logistic regression was used to screen factors associated with caretakers’ anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Among caretakers, 41.5% had anxiety symptoms, 39.6% had depression symptoms, 51.4% have any of the two and 29.7% had both of the two. Factors associated with caretakers’ anxiety symptoms included longer duration of the illness (OR, 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–0.99) and taking care of children with severe AD (OR, 2.55, 95% CI 1.43–4.55). Factors associated with caretakers’ depression symptoms included higher educational level (OR, 0.56, 95% CI 0.39–0.80), taking care of children with moderate (OR, 2.01, 95% CI 1.15–3.50) and severe AD (OR, 3.99, 95% CI 2.10–7.59) and poor medication compliance (OR, 3.45, 95% CI 1.13–10.56). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among caretakers of AD were high. Attention should be paid to caretakers of AD at higher risk for those psychological problems.