Patient preferences in the benefit–risk assessment of atopic dermatitis treatments in China: A nationwide survey

TL;DR

This study explores how Chinese patients with atopic dermatitis weigh treatment benefits against risks, revealing preferences that vary by age and disease severity.

Contribution

The study provides novel insights into patient preferences for atopic dermatitis treatments in China, emphasizing benefit-risk trade-offs and demographic variations.

Findings

Reducing flare-ups was the top treatment goal for 84% of patients.

Patients were more willing to accept risks for near-complete recovery than for partial improvement.

Risk tolerance was lower in younger patients and those with mild-to-moderate disease.

Abstract

Understanding patient preferences is critical for patient-focused drug development, especially in chronic conditions like atopic dermatitis, where treatment benefit–risk profiles vary widely.

To evaluate treatment priorities, risk tolerance, and benefit–risk acceptance among Chinese patients with atopic dermatitis.

A nationwide, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between February and July 2023. Patients with physician-diagnosed atopic dermatitis or their caregivers were recruited via major dermatology hospitals and patient communities. The survey evaluated treatment goals, unacceptable adverse events, and willingness to accept risks under scenarios of near-complete versus partial recovery.

Of 2120 respondents, 1948 valid responses were analyzed. Top treatment goals were reducing flare-ups (84%), preventing complications (61%), and relieving itch and pain (52%). Most unacceptable adverse events were serious infections (67%) and malignancies (65%). Patients showed increased risk tolerance when treatments promised near-complete recovery (15% fully accepted <0.1% risk of severe reactions) versus partial improvement (10%). Risk tolerance was lower among patients under 18 years and those with mild-to-moderate disease.

Self-reported data and online recruitment may limit generalizability.

Chinese patients are more willing to accept treatment risks when greater benefits are expected. Preferences vary by age and severity, supporting more personalized treatment discussions and decisions.

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