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Nonpharmaceutical interventions are important for addressing the psychosocial needs of children living with atopic dermatitis (AD). The current study aimed to investigate the effects of an integrative body–mind–spirit (IBMS) intervention on the subjective experiences of affected children and explore the mechanisms underlying the effects. Using a drawing-based, qualitative approach, the current study conducted two rounds of interviews with 13 children (aged 8–12 years) diagnosed with moderate or severe AD before and after they attended the IBMS intervention. Data were analyzed by using the thematic analysis method. The IBMS intervention worked by changing participants' perceptions at the cognitive level, improving their coping strategies at the behavioral level, and constructing their social support network at the environmental level. Cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors might mediate the relationships between the IBMS intervention and participants' psychological and physical outcomes. This study highlighted the wider inclusion of child-centered qualitative research in the evaluation of the effects of psychosocial interventions designed for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strengths of drawing‐based approaches for encouraging children's participation in health research and facilitating communication with them have been increasingly acknowledged in the medical literature. However, there is a lack of methodological discussion on drawing‐based approaches suitable for researching children living with physical health problems. The present study systematically reviewed qualitative research using drawing‐based approaches on the experiences of children living with physical health problems and summarised how the approaches were used as well. We identified 54 studies from five databases. The characteristics of qualitative methods and drawing‐based approaches were analysed. To obtain an overall understanding of the illness‐related experiences of these children, qualitative data generated from the included studies were synthesised using the thematic synthesis approach. This systematic review highlights the appropriateness and accuracy of the use of drawings‐based approaches in health research with children on their illness‐related experiences, fostering inclusive participation and engagement of young generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) imposes significant physical and psychosocial burdens on affected children. However, little has been done to learn from the subjective experiences, perspectives and emotions of children living with AD. Their voices are not heard in healthcare settings. This study aims to share these children's voices and provide a deep understanding of the subjective experiences of children living with AD. We conducted qualitative research by conducting semi‐structured interviews and analysing the drawings of 17 children in Hong Kong aged between 8 and 12 years who were diagnosed with AD. Using a phenomenological approach, we transcribed, coded and described the interviews. We found that for the children in this study, living with AD meant contending with an accumulation of challenges and crises. At the individual level, the essential experience of living with AD manifested a vicious cycle of skin and mental issues. At the family level, conflicts between children and parents concerning AD management coexisted with parental support. The children commonly experienced bullying and isolation in school and discrimination and stigmatisation in their neighbourhood, thereby making living with AD a traumatic experience. The synergy between individual and environmental factors contributed to shaping an incapable and wounded "self" living with AD. Based on our findings, we propose a child‐centred biopsychosocial framework for understanding the living experiences of children with AD. This study suggests different practice strategies for healthcare professionals working with the individual challenges experienced by children living with AD and the challenges these children experience in their family, school, and neighbourhood. The needs of these children should be addressed through an integrated, holistic approach for improving their long‐term health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]