A study has provided insights into the generational differences in perceived severity of atopic dermatitis.
In the study, published in the International Journal of Dermatology researchers recruited 73 patients with atopic dermatitis, 56.2% (n = 41) of whom were women. The mean age of the patients was 32.46 ± 14.81 years. The patients were divided into two generational groups: 52.86% (n = 37) belonged to the Millennial Generation (born from 1978 to 1992) and 43.8% (n = 33) belonged to Generation Z (born from 1993 to 2001).
The researchers demonstrated that Generation Z patients had significantly lower atopic dermatitis severity according to Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores compared with Millennial patients (9.75 ± 11.68 vs 16.63 ± 14.66, P < .05). However, their perception of disease severity was similar to Millennial patients, as reflected by comparable SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) (43.54 ± 28.99 vs 32.98 ± 21.91, P = .96) and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) scores (13.21 ± 8.98 vs 15.48 ± 6.69, P = .14). Other clinical measures, including Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool (ADCT), Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Sleep Disturbance NRS (SD NRS) did not show statistically significant differences between the two generations.
The researchers also found that EASI failed to demonstrate significant correlations across all measured scales of severity within the Generation Z cohort, whereas SCORAD consistently displayed substantial correlations with various severity indices in both generational groups. A linear regression model adjusted for age, disease onset, and gender revealed that the only factor related to a greater EASI score was belonging to the Millennial Generation compared to Generation Z (β = 7.86, P = .027).
The researchers noted that the higher subjective perception of severity among Generation Z patients could be attributed to factors such as lower resilience, a higher need for recognition, increased neuroticism, self-centeredness, and intensive use of social media.
The study emphasized the importance of considering both objective and subjective measures in understanding the unique experiences of different generational groups with atopic dermatitis and the need to select appropriate assessment tools tailored to the unique characteristics of each generation. The researchers recommended incorporating a more holistic approach to treating atopic dermatitis among Generation Z patients, which included enhanced patient education, regular follow-up visits, integration of nonpharmacologic therapies, and inclusion of mental health professionals in the care team.
The study's limitations included its cross-sectional design and the fact that it was conducted exclusively to explore the differences between Generation Z and Millennial patients. Future research with more extensive and diverse samples, incorporating other generational cohorts, was suggested to further elucidate generational influences on atopic dermatitis perception and severity.
According to the study, understanding generational influences on atopic dermatitis perception can enhance dermatologic care tailored to different age groups. The researchers underscored the importance of tailoring treatment strategies to address the distinct needs and expectations of each generational group.
