Sexual status of female systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A qualitative study

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects women of childbearing age and has been reported to cause sexual dysfunction in women. However, there are few qualitative studies to delve deeper into the impact of changing sexuality in women with SLE on themselves and their intimate relationships.ObjectiveTo assess the current sexual status and changes in sexual thoughts, attitudes, behavior, and psychology of female SLE patients to provide targeted health guidance.MethodsA phenomenological research method was used to select 18 female SLE patients from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of a tertiary hospital in Hefei City, Anhui Province, to conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews, and the data were analyzed using the Colaizzi seven-step analysis method and the Nvivo11Plus software.ResultsThe analysis of the interview data summarized 3 themes and 12 sub-themes, which were changes in sexual life and relationship (change in sexual physiology, change in sexual psychology, couples face changes in their relationships), multiple factors affecting sexual life and relationships (effect of disease, effect of age, effect of emotions, effect of economic, effect of medication, effect of body image), coping strategies for sexuality changes (avoidance and neglect, communication and acceptance, compromise and submission).ConclusionFemale SLE patients in this study experienced sexual physiological distress and positive or negative psychological experiences, and healthcare professionals should strengthen their attention to patients' sexuality issues and provide targeted professional guidance to patients to improve their quality of life.