Mental Health Among Caregivers of Children With Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review With Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Background Emerging evidence suggests that the burden of childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) extends beyond the child, significantly impacting the mental health and well‐being of caregiving parents. Increasingly, studies have raised concern for increased risk of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, among parents caring for children with AD. Objectives To systematically evaluate the association between atopic dermatitis in children and the mental health outcomes reported in their caregiving parents. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Guidelines (PRISMA). PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched through November 2024 for observational studies examining mental health outcomes in adult caregivers of children with AD. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS), and certainty of evidence was evaluated with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Results A total of 373 studies were identified, and 15 (13 cross‐sectional, 2 cohort) were included. Meta‐analysis showed increased odds of depression in parents of children with AD (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.12–1.44; 9 comparisons) and higher depression scores (SMD = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.14–0.86; 5 studies). Subgroup analyses revealed stronger effects in mothers. No significant associations were found for anxiety (SMD = 0.13; OR = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.92–1.47), and limited data were available for obsessive‐compulsive disorder, adjustment disorder, and suicidality. Heterogeneity was moderate to high for most outcomes, and overall certainty of evidence was rated very low. Conclusions Parental caregivers of children with AD may be at higher risk of depression, with more limited evidence for other mental health outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of family‐centered care and suggest the need for longitudinal research and supportive interventions to address caregiver well‐being.