Illness perceptions of adults with eczematous skin diseases: a systematic mixed studies review

Systematic Reviews

Michaela Ludewig¹  Swen Malte John¹  Annika Wilke¹  Marc Rocholl¹  Carola Brakemeier² 

[1] Institute for Health Research and Education, Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrueck, Am Finkenhuegel 7a, 49076, Osnabrueck, Germany;Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm), University of Osnabrueck, Am Finkenhuegel 7a, 49076, Osnabrueck, Germany;Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm), University of Osnabrueck, Am Finkenhuegel 7a, 49076, Osnabrueck, Germany;

关键词: Illness perceptions;    Self-regulation model;    Eczema;    Atopic dermatitis;    Contact dermatitis;    Systematic review;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13643-021-01687-5

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundEczematous skin diseases, e.g., atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, are associated with a high disease burden, a significant impact on quality of life and a higher risk for anxiety and depression. Therefore, coping strategies are of interest. In order to understand coping processes, it is necessary to examine the patients’ perspectives on their illness. The aim of this systematic mixed studies review is to investigate the illness perceptions of patients with eczematous skin diseases to get a better understanding of their coping processes.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, The Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, PSYNDEX, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus until February 20, 2019. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included in the review. Two independent reviewers conducted data extraction and carried out a narrative synthesis. We assessed study quality with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.ResultsThree qualitative and four quantitative studies were included in the systematic review. We found different methodological approaches for investigating illness perceptions: guided interviews, focus group interviews as well as standardized questionnaires, e.g., the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. All studies report suspected causes of the skin disease, such as endogenous and exogenous causes (namely, psychological or occupational factors). We found long timeline beliefs as well as various perceived and experienced social, economic, and psychological consequences. Our analysis reveals complex emotional representations in patients with eczematous skin diseases, in particular impairment of emotional well-being, and feelings of shame or helplessness. Qualitative and quantitative data were predominantly complementary and convergent.ConclusionPatients with eczematous skin diseases have complex illness representations regarding their disease. These representations interrelate with the coping behavior of patients. Therefore, medical professionals should consider them for counseling and treatment.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO 2018 CRD42018109217.

【 授权许可】

CC BY