Life-style activities in systemic lupus erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease impacting patients' quality of life.
• Limited understanding exists regarding lifestyle activity limitations and their contributing factors in SLE outpatients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate lifestyle activities in SLE outpatients.
• To identify factors, including mental health status, that reduce social engagement in SLE patients.

Main Methods:

• Comparative study involving 60 SLE patients, 30 healthy controls, and 30 patients with other autoimmune diseases.
• Utilized the Frenchay Activity Index (FAI), Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale-Revised (MS).
• Analyzed correlations between FAI scores and demographic/clinical factors (age, disease duration, steroid dose) and psychological scales (SDS, MS).

Main Results:

• SLE patients exhibited significantly lower lifestyle activity scores (FAI) compared to healthy controls.
• In SLE patients, lower morale (MS) and higher depression (SDS) correlated with reduced lifestyle activities.
• Age, disease duration, and steroid dose did not correlate with lifestyle activity levels in SLE patients.

Conclusions:

• Lifestyle activities in SLE patients are significantly associated with their psychological well-being and depression levels.
• Early detection and management of mental health conditions are crucial for enhancing the lifestyle activities and social participation of individuals with SLE.