Assessing the Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on the Quality of Life of Paediatric Patients in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Atopic dermatitis (AD) significantly impairs quality of life (QoL) in children but evidence from Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), with unique health care challenges and cultural context, is sparse. A scoping review is necessary to identify research gaps and guide policy. Methods Following PRISMA‐ScR guidelines, we reviewed studies from 2010 to 2025 on children (0–18 years) with AD in SSA, searching MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycINFO, ProQuest, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and regional reports. Included studies assessed design, sociodemographic factors, AD severity, and QoL outcomes. A biopsychological model and narrative synthesis were used. Results Six studies (five cross‐sectional, one RCT) from Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa, and Madagascar involved 53–381 urban hospital‐based participants. These highlight SSA‐specific challenges, including high non‐mild AD prevalence (up to 61.3% moderate, 24.2% severe) versus global trends (<15% severe), driven by socioeconomic constraints and cultural stigma. Moderate to severe QoL impairment was linked to pruritus, sleep disruption, and emotional distress, correlating with disease severity (SCORAD) and younger age ( < 1 year). MMAT appraisal showed urban sampling bias, unclear Nonresponse bias, variable diagnostic criteria, and globally validated but locally unvalidated QoL tools, limiting generalisability and cultural relevance. Socioeconomic status and comorbidities (e.g., asthma) were underreported but likely exacerbate QoL burden. Conclusion AD significantly impacts pediatric QoL in SSA, intensified by poverty and stigma. The limited representation of five countries underscores the urgent need for rural, community‐based studies using validated, context‐specific QoL tools to capture SSA's diverse populations and inform equitable dermatological care and policy.