Childhood atopic dermatitis is associated with a decreased chance of completing education later in life: a register‐based cohort study

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) has far‐reaching consequences in childhood and later in working life, but information on how it affects completion of education is sparse. Objectives To compare the educational achievement of individuals with AD in childhood/adolescence and individuals without a history of AD. Methods The study population included patients diagnosed with AD prior to the age of 16 registered in the Danish National Patient Register (DNPR) born in the period 1977–1993 and a 23‐fold matched control group from the background population. Cross‐linkage of five different Danish registers from 1977 to 2015 allowed comparison of AD patients with controls regarding completion of education. Results In total, 10 173 individuals were registered with AD in the DNPR, while 234 683 individuals served as control group. Mild/moderate AD was associated with a decreased chance of completing basic compulsory education [hazard ratios (HR): 0.92, 95% CI: 0.90–0.95] and further academic education (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98). Severe AD was associated with a decreased chance of completing further academic education (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.80–0.92), further vocational education (HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84–0.97) and higher education: master's level (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.53–0.81). Conclusion Atopic dermatitis in childhood/adolescence is associated with a decreased chance of completing an education. Linked Commentary: M. Möhrenschlager. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35: 1746. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17518.