Quality of life in infants and children with atopic dermatitis
Author Information
Author(s): Stephen P. McKenna, Lynda C. Doward, David M. Meads, Alan Tennant, Gemma Lawton, Jens Grueger
Primary Institution: University of Central Lancashire
Hypothesis
Can a valid scale be developed to assess the impact of atopic dermatitis on children across different countries?
Conclusion
The study successfully developed a valid instrument for assessing the impact of atopic dermatitis on children, accounting for cultural differences.
Supporting Evidence
- The CIAD demonstrated the benefits of treatment with Elidel over placebo in the European trial.
- Three of the 12 potential items failed to fit the measurement model in Europe and five in the US.
- Four items exhibited differential item functioning by country.
Takeaway
This study created a tool to help understand how skin problems affect kids and their families, even when people live in different countries.
Methodology
Rasch analyses were conducted on data from three clinical trials to develop a unidimensional scale assessing the impact of atopic dermatitis on children.
Potential Biases
Cultural differences may affect how items are valued, leading to differential item functioning.
Limitations
The study had a relatively high dropout rate and a limited number of items in the scale.
Participant Demographics
Participants included children aged 3 months to 18 years from the UK, US, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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