The effects of a peer-led, online self-management program for adult atopic dermatitis: A multi-center randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Scalable and effective patient education models are needed for adult atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a structured, peer-led online self-management program in improving clinical severity and psychosocial outcomes in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

In this assessor-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial, participants were allocated (1:1) to receive standard education (control) or standard education plus a 4-week peer-led online program (intervention). The primary outcome was the change in Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis from baseline to week 16.

RESULTS

The primary outcome, change in the Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis score, showed a greater reduction for the intervention group (-19.05 points vs -14.67 points). Key secondary outcomes significantly favored the intervention group, including greater improvements in Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 scores (2.14 points vs 0.68), and greater reductions in Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores (-4.29 vs -1.87), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores (-2.50 vs -0.98) (all P < .001).

LIMITATION: Generalizability may be limited by the digital format and the relatively short follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

A peer-led, online self-management program significantly improved clinical severity, quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, and medication adherence in adults with atopic dermatitis, offering a scalable adjunct to standard dermatologic care.