Impact of childhood psoriasis on parents of affected children

Abstract

Background: Childhood 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.

Objective: To explore the impact of childhood psoriasis on the lives of the parents.

Methods: Semistructured 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.

Results: All 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.

Limitations: It was not possible to correlate psoriasis severity with parental QoL.

Conclusion: Childhood 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.

Keywords: emotional well-being; family function; health and self-care; parent; personal well-being; psoriasis; quality of life; social function.