Capture of Patient Itch Scores in Practice Reveals Disparate Itch Impact on the Basis of Age, Gender, and Race: A Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Yin Li, Emory University; Robert A. Swerlick, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2024-12-11
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2024 The Authors
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjidi.2024.100338
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: JID Innovations
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 100338
• Grant/Funding Agency: Pfizer
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was supported by a Pfizer (36658727) (Integration of Standard Dermatology Outcome Measures in Electronic Medical Records to treat Atopic Dermatitis).
• Keywords: Age; General dermatology; Data collection; Automation; Gender
• Research Categories: Gender studies

Abstract

Background Skin symptom burden, varying with patient populations, may not be readily observed by clinicians, resulting in incomplete appreciation of total skin disease burden. Objective The purpose of this study was to define patient itch burdens and associated health-related QOL affecting different patient demographics and to identify potential population health disparities. Methods This is a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of data captured using an automated routine electronic previsit survey completed by patients who visited Emory Healthcare Dermatology clinic between March 2021 and October 2022 (6532 patient visits). Descriptive statistics and ordered logit regression analyses were used to examine the prevalence and intensity of itch and the impacts of itch on QOL. Results Overall itch burden increases as age increases; females and African Americans experienced more itch burden than males and other racial groups. Itch places significant symptom, emotional, and functional burdens on patients’ QOL, impacts that are independent of patients’ demographics. Limitations The data collected were from a single dermatology practice and may not be reflective of other practices or populations. Conclusion Dermatology previsit surveys are feasible in examining the significant pruritus burden, especially for older individuals, females, and African Americans with chronic skin conditions.