A qualitative exploration of the impact, management, and existing psychological support available for adults living with skin conditions

Hewitt, Rachael M., Dale, Carys, Purcell, Catherine ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0301-2555, Pattinson, Rachael ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3145-3710 and Bundy, Christine ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5981-3984 2024. A qualitative exploration of the impact, management, and existing psychological support available for adults living with skin conditions. Acta Dermato-Venereologica 104 , adv40657. 10.2340/actadv.v104.40657

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Abstract

Skin conditions carry a significant physical, psychological, and social burden. People with skin conditions often engage in health-threatening behaviours that can worsen symptoms and increase cardiovascular disease risk. However, access to dedicated psychological and behaviour-change support is limited. The impact, management, and existing psychological support available to adults living with skin conditions was qualitatively explored to inform the development of a psychologically supportive digital intervention. Qualitative research involving a hybrid inductive– deductive approach was performed. Data collection and analysis were theoretically informed by the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation. Eight synchronous online group interviews with 43 English-speaking adults (≥ 18 years) with a range of skin conditions were conducted. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Three superordinate themes are outlined: (i) visibility underpinning life course impairment, (ii) seeking control amid uncertainty, and (iii) existing support for people with skin conditions. Skin conditions carry a substantial psychological burden, yet dermatology service provision is sub-optimal and patients often resort to seeking support from unreliable sources. Psychological support can have benefits, but barriers exist. This study reinforces the need for high-quality psychological support, and that patients wanted digital means to support effective self- management.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Publisher:	Medical Journals Sweden
ISSN:	1651-2057
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	4 September 2024
Date of Acceptance:	3 July 2024
Last Modified:	05 Sep 2024 10:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/171803

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