The Institute for Clinical and Health Effectiveness (IECS) conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the economic and social impact of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) in Argentina. The research quantified the costs and impact on the quality of life of patients with AD and on the people who perform care tasks from the perspective of the patient and their environment, including the role of the health system.
The study revealed a significant economic impact for AD patients and their caregivers. In adults, the annual costs derived from AD amount to $2.740.926 Argentine pesos, including out-of-pocket expenses and losses due to work productivity (absenteeism and decreased productive capacity). This amount represents approximately 21% of the average income of an Argentine household. In the case of minors, the annual costs attributable to AD are estimated at $9.204.082, composed of out-of-pocket expenses and the cost of family care (the cost of the time that family members and friends must dedicate to caring for the person with AD). This figure is equivalent to approximately 68% of the average income of an Argentine household.
In addition, the study highlighted that one of the main barriers for AD patients is the lack of coverage for moisturizing creams, essential for the daily treatment of the disease. Added to this is the difficulty in obtaining medical appointments, which further complicates the management of this chronic condition. It is important to note that the calculated costs could be underestimated, since many patients also suffer from comorbidities such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and other dermatological conditions.
The methodology used was mixed methods, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups. The quality of life of two groups was assessed: adults diagnosed with AD and caregivers of children with AD. Data collection was carried out between June and September 2023, with the collaboration of the Asociación Civil Dermatitis Atópica Argentina (ADAR). The study was funded through a grant from Pfizer.
Atopic Dermatitis and the need for a multidisciplinary approach
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects between 10% and 15% of the world's population, being especially prevalent in children, where it reaches up to 20%. In Argentina, statistics reflect a high incidence: 6.4% of children aged 6 to 7 years and 7.2% of adolescents aged 13 to 14 years suffer from this disease, while in adults the figure reaches 5.3%. This condition represents a multidimensional burden not only for patients and their families, but also for society, due to the physical, emotional and economic challenges it imposes.
Atopic dermatitis has been recognized as the skin disease with the greatest impact in terms of quality-adjusted life years. This makes it a public health issue worldwide. The impact of AD is exacerbated in countries such as Argentina, where the fragmentation and decentralization of the health system, coupled with economic and social inequalities, aggravate the situation. Although AD affects a significant segment of the population, it is not classified as a chronic disease, with the exception of the province of Misiones, which makes comprehensive care for patients even more difficult.
The impact of AD transcends the physical, affecting multiple aspects of the lives of patients and caregivers. The results of the IECS study highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive approach and greater support from the health system to improve the quality of life of those affected by this disease and their families.
For more information, please access to the infographic “Atopic dermatitis: the cost to people in Argentina.