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CLOSING THE AD GAP

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Introducing a
new Global Survey

Right now, the majority of doctors assess AD from a physical standpoint. While physical signs and symptoms are important to look at, kids and teens, caregivers and families know there is often more going on – beyond the skin.

It’s time to not only reveal any gaps in understanding around the unseen impacts of AD, but actively seek to close them.

“With AD, there are ripple effects beyond the skin. For example, itch can impact a child's sleep, which can impact the family's sleep, which can impact school, work, relationships and more. These impacts can't be ignored.”

Korey Capozza, Founder of Global Parents for Eczema Research, U.S.A.

That's why Regeneron and Sanofi commissioned the Atopic Dermatitis Global Adolescent & Pediatric Survey, or AD-GAP, a global qualitative and quantitative survey across 13 countries designed to explore the full impact of AD on the lives of kids and teens.

Survey participants

Child with eczema thinking about his atopic dermatitis and what it's like to live with it

Kids (6 – 11) and teens (12 – 17) living with moderate-to-severe AD

Parents and caregivers sat discussing the care they give

Their parents and caregivers

Doctor with a white coat and stephoscope reading her medical notes, child sat behind her

Dermatologists and other physicians

Countries Surveyed

In Japan, only the quantitative part of the survey was conducted.

Far-reaching AD impacts

AD impacts up to 1 in every 5 children globally, with up to 40% estimated to have the moderate-to-severe disease.^1-8 It’s a long-term, often unpredictable disease, that can impact kids and teens living with it, and those around them, in various ways. So when it comes to managing life with AD, different people can be on different pages.

Doctors and specialists often focus on signs, symptoms and treatment. Parents and caregivers often focus on their day-to-day well-being and routines. Kids and teens just want to focus on living their lives.

By taking into account all of these perspectives, we have an opportunity to better understand the full impact of AD, and bring positive change to the lives of kids and teens living with this chronic disease, as well as their families.

"By pausing to consider the different experiences between these three distinct groups of people, we can uncover the gaps in conversation. We hope, in time, to close these gaps through better dialogue-enabling the best AD care possible for kids and teens."

Dr Stephan Weidinger, Professor and Vice Director, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Kiel, Germany

What have we learnt so far?

We asked nearly 4,000 survey participants to rank the relative importance of 16 factors that impact quality of life (QoL) for kids and teens with AD, revealed through the qualitative research.

Comparing their responses allowed us to identify similarities and differences between the perspectives of each group on these issues.

Download the infographic

Stay tuned for more information and findings from the AD-GAP survey in 2022.

Initiatives in atopic dermatitis

We're always striving to Change AD for the better. Get involved with our initiatives and see the change you can make.

Learn more

Agents of Change

The 'Agents of Change' AD Challenge is a global grants initiative helping to solve some of the common challenges that people with AD face.

Managing AD

Feeling like you've tried everything to manage your AD? Don't lose hope. We've got the tips, tools and information you need to get closer to control.

Go to Managing AD

References

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N. Ballardini, I. Kull, C. Soderhall, G. Lilja, M. Wickman, C.F. Wahlgren, "Eczema severity in preadolescent children and its relation to sex, filaggrin mutations, asthma, rhinitis, aggravating factors and topical treatment: a report from the BAMSE birth cohort", Br J Dermatol, vol. 168, no. 3, pp. 588-594, 2013.
S.J. Brown, C.L. Relton, H. Liao, et al., "Filaggrin null mutations and childhood atopic eczema: a population based case control study". J Allergy Clin Immunol, vol. 121, no. 4, pp. 940-946, 2008.
S. Dhami, A. Sheikh, "Estimating the prevalence of aero allergy and/or food allergy in infants, children and young people with moderate to severe atopic eczema/dermatitis in primary care: multi centre, cross-sectional study", J R Soc Med, vol. 108, no. 6, pp. 229-236, 2015.
Lebon, J.A. Labout, H.A. Verbrugh, et al., "Role of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in atopic dermatitis in infants: the Generation R Study". Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med., vol. 163, no. 8, pp. 745-749, 2009.
A.B. Olesen, K. Bang, S. Juul, K. Thestrup-Pedersen, "Stable incidence of atopic dermatitis among children in Denmark during the 1990s", Acta Derm Venereol, vol 85, no. 3, pp. 244-247, 2007.
H. Saeki, H. Iizuka, Y. Mori, et al. "Prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Japanese elementary school children", Br J Dermatol, vol. 152, no. 1., pp. 110-114, 2005.
J.I. Silverberg, E.L. Simpson, "Association between severe eczema in children and multiple comorbid conditions and increased healthcare utilization", Pediatr Allergy Immunol, vol. 24, no. 5, pp.476-486, 2013.