Purpose
This study investigated knowledge of atopic dermatitis and food allergies, as well as health information literacy, among North Korean refugee mothers with preschool-age children and explored how these variables were related to participants' characteristics.
Methods
A descriptive study design was used. Data from 130 North Korean refugee mothers were collected between January and March 2023.
Results
The mean scores were 14.48 of 30 for atopic dermatitis knowledge; 2.77 of 10 for food allergy knowledge, and 56.95 of 80 for health information literacy. Significant differences were observed in knowledge of atopic dermatitis based on breastfeeding duration (F=4.12, p=.009), and in knowledge of food allergies based on mixed feeding (F=3.11, p=.049). Health information literacy showed significant relationships with education level (F=3.76, p=.026), occupation (F=3.99, p=.021), checking nutritional information (t=2.91, p=.004), mixed feeding (F=4.50, p=.014), and atopic dermatitis diagnosis (t=6.86, p=.001). Significant positive correlations were observed between atopic dermatitis knowledge, food allergy knowledge, and health information literacy.
Conclusion
Personalized educational programs should be implemented to improve awareness of allergies and health information literacy among North Korean refugee mothers, which would help them find, evaluate, and understand health-related information. These programs should focus on providing nutrition and dietary education to promote healthy growth in children and prevent diseases.

BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis starts as an early childhood type1 hypersensitivity to environmental allergens and is often the first step in the atopic march to develop into asthma and allergic rhinitis. Despite progress that has been achieved in management, this health problem remains poorly controlled and cause great pain and suffering for many children and their parents. PURPOSE: To introduce nurses to recent progress in pathophysiology, management and preventive measure of atopic disease. Search METHOD: Systemic search was done using the PubMed and CINAHL from 1980 to 2005. In addition, historical references were taken from standard medical textbook.
RESULTS
In total, 30 relevant publications were located including primary research and review articles that cover the pathophysiology, management, and preventive measure of atopy. The evidence emerging from literature indicate that non-medical approaches such as breastfeeding and probiotics would improve management outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The review suggests that breastfeeding and probiotic approaches would be the most effective preventive measures for children with atopic diseases.