Mixed Associations Between Socioeconomic Status and Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Highlight Research Gaps
Socioeconomic status (SES) appears to influence pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD), but the direction and strength of the association remain unclear, according to a recent literature review examining disparities in disease prevalence and outcomes. The findings underscore the need for further research to clarify how socioeconomic variables shape pediatric AD risk and severity.
The review analyzed 8 observational studies published since July 2021 that assessed SES factors in children with AD. A descriptive analysis examined variables, including parental education, household income, and residential setting.
Five of the 8 studies reported mixed associations between AD and SES, reflecting inconsistencies in prior literature. However, certain patterns emerged. Urban residence was associated with a higher prevalence of AD in sub-analyses, and 4 studies identified a positive association between higher parental education and pediatric AD. These findings suggest that specific SES indicators may influence disease prevalence differently than traditional income-based measures.
The authors concluded that “there is mixed association between pediatric AD and SES, with AD positively associated with parental education.” They also emphasized a “critical need to evaluate global impact of SES variables on pediatric AD,” noting that current evidence does not definitively establish causality.
Beyond prevalence, socioeconomic variables such as household income and neighborhood characteristics were reported to influence disease outcomes, potentially affecting access to care, treatment adherence, and environmental exposures. However, heterogeneity in study design and population characteristics limited definitive conclusions.
Reference
Ponukumati SH, Mittal R, Tafuto BA. Impact of socioeconomic factors on pediatric atopic dermatitis population. World J Metaanal. 2025;13(2):105511. doi:10.13105/wjma.v13.i2.105511
