Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Coping Strategies, Loneliness, and Resilience in Patients With Dermatosis

This study aims to understand how adults with skin conditions cope with their illness, their feelings of loneliness, and their resilience (their ability to bounce back from difficult situations). It builds on previous research that looked at anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and feelings of stigma related to skin conditions. About 23 hospitals and clinics across 15 European countries, including the UK, are taking part. If you join, you'll complete questionnaires about your coping strategies, loneliness, resilience, sleep, mood, quality of life, and overall well-being. The study also asks about the impact of the skin condition on a participant's partner. The goal is to better understand these experiences to find ways to support people living with skin conditions.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Brest

Enrolment target

375

Start

01 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2029

Skin Disease Skin Disorder Skin Condition Inflammatory Skin Conditions Autoimmune Skin Diseases Cancerous Skin Conditions Genetic Skin Conditions

What is this study about?

This research study is about understanding the daily lives and feelings of people living with skin conditions. Doctors and scientists know that skin problems can affect more than just your body – they can also impact your mind and how you feel. This study, called ESDaP3, is a Europe-wide effort to explore this connection further.

Specifically, the researchers are interested in three main areas: coping strategies (the ways people deal with difficult or stressful situations), loneliness, and resilience (your ability to adapt and bounce back from tough times). They also want to gather information on how sleep, anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life are affected. They even want to know how a skin condition might impact your partner.

By gathering this information from many people across different countries, including the UK, the study hopes to get a clearer picture of these experiences. This understanding can then help doctors and support groups develop better ways to help people living with skin conditions manage their feelings and improve their overall well-being. It's about finding out what works and what challenges people face mentally and emotionally.

Key takeaways

The study explores how skin conditions affect people emotionally and mentally.
It focuses on coping strategies, loneliness, and resilience.
Participation involves completing questionnaires, taking about 20 minutes.
The study includes adults with and without various skin conditions.
Your input helps improve understanding and future support for patients.
It's a European-wide effort involving healthcare centres in 15 countries.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and either have a skin condition (like inflammatory, autoimmune, cancer-related, or genetic skin disorders) or not have a skin condition as a healthy comparison.

You should be able to understand what the study involves and be able to complete questionnaires on your own. You also need to be covered by a social security system or something similar in your country.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a skin condition, or do you not have one?
Can you understand what the study is about?
Are you able to complete questionnaires on your own?
Are you covered by a social security system (or similar)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, your involvement will be quite straightforward. You will be asked to complete a set of questionnaires. These questionnaires will cover various topics, including your age, gender, education, job, and marital status, as well as questions about your general health. You'll also answer specific questions about your skin condition, such as how long you've had it, how severe it has been, and where it affects your body.

Crucially, you'll fill out questionnaires focused on your coping strategies, how lonely you might feel, your resilience, your sleep habits, and any feelings of anxiety or depression. There will also be questions about your quality of life and overall well-being. If you have a partner, they might be asked to complete a short questionnaire too, about how your skin condition impacts their life. The whole process of filling out these questionnaires is estimated to take about 20 minutes, and this is the total time you would be involved in the study. There are no follow-up visits, medications, or lengthy treatments involved.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study involves very minimal risk, as you will only be completing questionnaires. The questions might touch on personal feelings like loneliness or anxiety, which could be uncomfortable for some, but you are not obliged to answer anything you don't wish to. The potential benefit is that your answers will contribute valuable information to medical research, helping us understand the experiences of people with skin conditions better. This could lead to improved support and care for patients in the future. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Brest
Verified postcode
Brest, France

Common questions

What kind of skin conditions are included?

This study includes various skin conditions, such as inflammatory, autoimmune, cancer-related, and genetic skin disorders.

Do I have to have a skin condition to join?

No, the study also includes people without skin conditions to compare information with those who do have them.

How long will my involvement be?

Your participation will take about 20 minutes to complete the questionnaires.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes, your personal information will be protected, and your initials will be used rather than your full name to maintain privacy.

What is 'resilience'?

Resilience is your ability to bounce back and cope well when faced with difficult situations, changes, or challenges.

How to find out more

Emilie Dr BRENAUT, Dermatologist

emilie.brenaut@chu-brest.fr +33 2 98 22 35 90 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.