The Effects of a Peer-Led, Online Self-Management Program for Adult Atopic Dermatitis: A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial.

Zhao, Weijia; Liu, Jiao; Xue, Ruzeng; Wang, Xijing; Yang, Haihui; Zhu, Lei; Li, Zhanhong; Xie, Xiaoyuan et al. · J Am Acad Dermatol · 2026

rct · Level II

Where this comes from

Abstract

Scalable and effective patient education models are needed for adult atopic dermatitis (AD). To evaluate the efficacy of a structured, peer-led online self-management program in improving clinical severity and psychosocial outcomes in adults with moderate-to-severe AD. In this assessor-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial, participants were allocated (1:1) to receive standard education (control) or standard education plus a 4-week peer-led online program (intervention). The primary outcome was the change in Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) from baseline to week 16. The primary outcome, change in the SCORAD score, showed a greater reduction for the intervention group (-19.05 points vs. -14.67 points). Key secondary outcomes significantly favored the intervention group, including greater improvements in Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) scores ( 2.14 points vs. 0.68), and greater reductions in Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores (-4.29 vs. -1.87), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores ( -2.50 vs. -0.98) (all P < 0.001). Generalizability may be limited by the digital format and the relatively short follow-up period. A peer-led, online self-management program significantly improved clinical severity, quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, and medication adherence in adults with AD, offering a scalable adjunct to standard dermatologic care.