The Autoimmune Patient Association (APAA) is launching a research project on the socioeconomic impact of atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata. The questionnaires are addressed to the adult population (aged 18 years and older) in Romania who suffer from atopic dermatitis and/or alopecia areata, as well as their caregivers and caregivers of children and adolescents (aged up to 18 years) who suffer for atopic dermatitis. and/or alopecia areata.

This study measures both medical and non-medical costs, direct and indirect costs accumulated from a societal perspective (including payer, patient, caregiver and society) over a 12-month time period.

If you are a person with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and/or alopecia areata, if you are caring for someone with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and/or alopecia areata, the Association for Patients with Autoimmune Diseases invites you to answer one of the questionnaires below:

• Atopic dermatitis: https://s.surveyplanet.com/2xeynbgk

• Alopecia areata: https://s.surveyplanet.com/63qdnir8

“This may be the first study launched in Romania that estimates the economic burden of the disease for people diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and/or alopecia areata. Currently, the literature on this topic is quite limited, with only a few studies reporting results for high-income countries in Asia (eg, Japan), Europe (eg, Germany), or Australia. Much of the existing literature is based on cross-sectional surveys only, without considering the true economic impact of these diseases from a societal perspective. The data collected in this research project will provide more information about the financial and societal costs to help authorities implement public health policies to support people diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and/or alopecia areata.” – says Rosalina Lapedatu, president of APAA.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by the presence of severe pruritus (itching), which can alter patients’ quality of life due to symptoms and secondary infections. Epidemiological data are mixed, as prevalence varies by study and country. Atopic dermatitis is thought to affect approximately 10% of the population in economically developed countries (where the prevalence is higher). The disease is more common in children (20%) than in adults (1-3%).

Atopic dermatitis often appears in the first months of life, in 60% of cases – before the first year of life and up to 85% of cases – before 5 years. Since the 1970s, epidemiological data indicate an increase in the incidence and prevalence of atopic dermatitis, similar to other allergic diseases. The course of atopic dermatitis is favorable in most cases, skin lesions improve in adolescence or adulthood.

In Romania, a prevalence study conducted in 2022 by the Romanian Society of Dermatology estimates that 9.41% of the population suffers from atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a public health problem, has a significant psychosocial and financial impact, increases absenteeism from school or work, affects patients emotionally and causes anxiety and depression. All this leads to a decrease in the quality of life of patients.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects ~2% of the population regardless of gender, ethnicity, or age. It is a condition that develops when the body attacks its own hair follicles, which can cause hair loss anywhere on the body. Although alopecia areata can affect any area with hair, the scalp is most commonly affected. Since the scalp is affected, the emotional impact is strong and affects the social life of patients, especially children.

Photo: Dreamstime.com.