Direct observation of scratching behavior in children with atopic dermatitis

This study examines scratching behavior in children with atopic dermatitis (AD). Thirty children with severe AD and one parent of each child were observed for a 10-minute observation period during a five-minute structured and five-minute unstructured task. Observers coded child and parent behaviors. Data analyses revealed that children engaged in more scratching behavior during the unstructured than structured task. Furthermore, regression analyses indicated that parent responses to scratching behavior in children were important predictors of scratching behavior even after controlling for demographic and medical status variables, such as serum IgE level and percentage of body area affected by AD. These results have important implications for health care professionals working with children who have AD. Suggestions for future behavioral treatment studies are discussed. © 1988 Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Francis Joseph Keefe Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neur ...