Background/objectives: Older children with atopic dermatitis (AD) suffer from poor sleep and attention problems. However, until recently, the dearth of developmentally sensitive assessment tools impeded characterization in younger children. We aimed to characterize sleep and attention problems in young children with AD and identify modifiable factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of children with AD aged 1-4 years was stratified by disease severity (Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure), age, and racial/ethnic groups. Developmentally sensitive surveys assessed attention (Multidimensional Assessment Profile of Attention Regulation), sleep, and itch (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System). Linear regression models identified predictors of sleep health and attention dysregulation.
Results: Parents (n = 60) of children aged 2.78 ± 0.98 years with severe (n = 25), moderate (n = 25), or mild (n = 10) AD were recruited across the United States. Significantly reduced sleep health (T-score ≥ 60) was reported in 86% of children with moderate/severe disease (n = 43), and 50% had ≥5 nights of disturbed sleep per week. A suboptimal sleep environment was identified with 32% of children with too much light, noise, or electronic device usage. With regard to attention regulation, in children with severe AD, 80% had trouble sitting still and 72% of children had trouble paying attention no matter their surroundings. In fully adjusted models, AD severity was a significant predictor of poor sleep health (B = 0.79 [0.31-1.28], p < .01) and attention dysregulation (B = 1.22 [0.51-1.93], p < .01).
Conclusions: More severe AD correlates with poor sleep health and attention dysregulation. In addition to aggressive treatment of AD, clinicians should advise on modifiable sleep hygiene practices and consider screening for attention dysregulation in young children.
Keywords: atopic dermatitis; attention regulation; early childhood; eczema; sleep.
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