Association of pediatric atopic dermatitis and psoriasis with school absenteeism and parental work absenteeism: a cross-sectional United States population-based study.

ABSTRACT: Background The impact of childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis on school absenteeism are not fully elucidated. Objective To determine the burden and predictors of chronic school absenteeism in children with AD and psoriasis. Methods Data were analyzed from the 1999-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys, a cross-sectional, population-based study of US health status and function. Results Among 3132 and 200 children with AD and psoriasis, 1544 (67.7%) and 97 (62.5%) missed ≥1 day, and 120 (3.9%) and 5 (3.6%) missed ≥15 days (chronically absent) per year due to illness. AD was associated with chronic absenteeism overall (logistic regression; adjusted OR [95% CI]: 1.42 [1.13, 1.78]), and with more severe disease (mild-moderate: 1.33 [1.04, 1.70], severe: 2.00 [1.21, 3.32]). Whereas, no statistical difference in chronic absenteeism was found for children with vs without psoriasis (1.26 [0.51, 3.12]). Parents of children with vs without AD were more likely to miss work for caregiving, whereas parents of children with vs without psoriasis had similar rates of work absenteeism. Limitations AD and psoriasis severity were assessed by treatment pattern. Conclusions US children with AD had increased chronic school absenteeism. Further interventions are warranted to prevent school absenteeism in childhood AD.