The Psychosocial Impact of Chronic Hand Eczema: Findings From the Population-Based Check (Chronic Hand Eczema Epidemiology, Care, and Knowledge of Real-Life Burden) Study

Speaker(s)

Bewley A1, Molin S2, Crépy MN3, Fargnoli MC4, Apfelbacher C5, Le Calvé P6, Rault B6, Maslin D7, Apol E8, Giménez-Arnau AM9
1Symmetron Limited, London, UK, 2Division of Dermatology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada, 3University Hospital of Centre of Paris, Hotel-Dieu Hospital, Paris, France, 4University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy, 5Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany, 6Oracle Life Sciences, Paris, France, 7LEO Pharma A/S, Ballerup, 84, Denmark, 8LEO Pharma A/S, Ballerup, Copenhagen, Denmark, 9Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain

Presentation Documents

OBJECTIVES: Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) is an inflammatory disease, negatively influencing patients’ quality of life. The objective of this analysis is to describe the effects of CHE on psychosocial health in terms of physical contact, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.

METHODS: CHECK (Chronic Hand Eczema epidemiology, Care, and Knowledge of real-life burden) was a population-based study recruiting participants in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK aged 18-69 via online panels. Participants assessed the impact of CHE on physical contact with loved ones over the past 6-months and completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A previously published photographic guide was used to assess severity of CHE in the past week.

RESULTS: In total, 1024 participants completed the questionnaire. Most were females 70.6% (n=723). Mean (SD) age was 45.9 (11.8) years and most participants (59.2%) reported mild CHE.

Over half, 54.2% (n=555) reported that in the past 6-months their CHE prevented them from touching their close ones; this included 15.0% (n=154) who were prevented from doing so “a lot” or “very much”. This was more pronounced in moderate-to-severe vs mild CHE (23.0% vs 9.6%)

Two thirds of participants with moderate-to-severe CHE (n=278, 66.5%) indicated borderline abnormal or abnormal anxiety levels (8-21), and 52.2% (n=218) reported such levels for depression.

One in four participants (n=282, 27.5%) had ever had suicidal thoughts indicating a significant mental burden associated with living with CHE. Only minor differences were observed between participants with mild (n=163, 26.9%) versus moderate-to-severe CHE (n=119, 28.5%).

CONCLUSIONS: Results show that CHE patients have impaired physical contact with their close ones. Patients with moderate-to-severe CHE reported a profound impact on mental well-being, with higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Thus, highlighting the need for focused psychosocial interventions and improved treatment options for patients living with CHE.

Code

RWD88

Topic

Patient-Centered Research, Study Approaches

Topic Subcategory

Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes, Surveys & Expert Panels

Disease

Mental Health (including addition), Sensory System Disorders (Ear, Eye, Dental, Skin)