Dupilumab Hesitancy in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: Characterizing Caregiver Decision-Making
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Los Angeles
Overview:
Eczema is one of the most common and burdensome skin diseases in children, causing persistent itch, sleep loss, anxiety, and missed school days. Dupilumab is a safe and highly effective injectable medication approved for children as young as 6 months with moderate-to-severe eczema, yet many families decline it when it is offered. We do not currently understand why families say no, or what concerns drive that decision. This study will survey caregivers of children with eczema at the exact moment they are offered dupilumab, capturing in real time whether they accept, decline, or remain undecided, and why. We will also examine whether race, insurance type, or preferred language affect treatment decisions. Our goal is to identify the correctable barriers that prevent families from accessing an effective treatment, and to use that information to help doctors counsel families more effectively and develop better decision-making tools.
Status:
This was funded through a 2026 PeDRA Research Fellowship Grant.