The psychological impact of vernal keratoconjunctivitis on families: An investigation on quality of life and psychological wellbeing

TL;DR

This study shows that vernal keratoconjunctivitis affects not only children's eyes but also their and their parents' mental health and quality of life.

Contribution

The study is the first to investigate the psychological impact of VKC on both children and their families.

Findings

One-third of parents showed mild depressive symptoms, and over half had mild to severe anxiety.

Higher parental distress was linked to greater disruption in family quality of life.

Children with more emotional difficulties and perennial VKC had greater quality of life impairment.

Abstract

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic allergic eye disease that affects children and adolescents. While its physical burden is well documented, little research has explored its psychological impact on patients and their families. This study examined the impact of VKC on quality of life (QoL) and psychological wellbeing in children (as reported by their parents) and their parents.

Forty parents of children with VKC (aged 4–17 years) attending the Ocular Allergy and Immunology Service at the University of Padova completed online questionnaires. Measures included parental depressive (PHQ‐9) and anxiety symptoms (GAD‐7), perceived social support, family QoL (FROM‐16), child emotional and behavioral difficulties (SDQ), and the impact of VKC on child QoL (QUICK). Clinical data on VKC severity and treatment history were also collected.

One‐third of parents reported mild depressive symptoms, and 53% had mild to severe anxiety. Higher parental distress was linked to greater family QoL disruption, while greater perceived support was associated with less disruption. Most children showed emotional and behavioral difficulties within the normal range. However, those with more emotional difficulties and the perennial form of VKC experienced greater QoL impairment. Interestingly, higher QoL disruption in children correlated with more frequent prosocial behaviors.

These findings highlight the psychological impact of VKC on both children and parents. Integrated care approaches that address both physical and psychological aspects of the disease are essential to improve outcomes for affected families.

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