ATOPIC DERMATITIS IN PRIMARY CARE IN KUWAIT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PREVALENCE, TREATMENT PATTERNS, AND CHALLENGES
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Keywords
Atopic dermatitis, eczema, primary care, Kuwait, treatment adherence, prevalence, dupilumab.
Abstract
Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a significant burden in primary care settings across the Gulf region, including Kuwait. It affects both children and adults and is associated with psychosocial and quality-of-life challenges.
Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the epidemiology, management and management patterns of atopic dermatitis among primary care in Kuwait.
Material and Methods: The systematic review was conducted based on such databases as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary and secondary data were gathered on the topic of prevalence, the types of treatment and access to care barriers.
Results: AD was most common among children and adolescents, and adherence to patterns of treatment, e.g. using emollients and use of topical corticosteroid, was also poor. There was underutilisation of better treatment options that included dupilumab. The primary issues included compliance, misdiagnosis, lack of patient education and access to dermatology care.
Conclusion: To enhance the outcomes of AD in Kuwait, a multidisciplinary and standardized primary care approach is essential.
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Dr. Amnah Hamdi Almutairi
Assistant Registrar, MOH Kuwait
Dr. Badreyah Mohammad Almutairi
Assistant Registrar, MOH Kuwait
Dr. Falah M Salman
Assistant Registrar, MOH Kuwait
Dr. Mudassir Shah
Assistant Registrar MOH Kuwait
Dr. Sher Alam Khan
Senior Registrar Paediatrics, Musharaf Medical Complex Abbottabad Pakistan