Latent Profile Analysis of Symptom Severity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

To explore the latent profiles of symptom severity among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and analyze the influencing factors associated with these different latent profiles, providing clinical evidence for the management of SLE symptoms.

Using convenience sampling, a questionnaire survey was conducted among SLE patients at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University employing the SLE Symptom Checklist (SSC) between November 2022 and July 2023. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to assess the severity of patients' symptoms, and univariate analysis along with multinomial logistic regression was utilized to analyze the factors influencing the latent profiles.

A total of 420 patients were included in the study. The results of LPA revealed that the severity of symptoms among SLE patients could be categorized into three latent profiles: mild (75.4%), moderate (17.6%), and severe (6.9%). The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that male participants were more likely to belong to the "Severe Symptom Type" (p = 0.046, OR = 2.86). Employed participants had a lower likelihood of being classified into the "Moderate Symptom Type" (p = 0.027, OR = 1.86) and "Severe Symptom Type" (p = 0.002, OR = 0.213). Unmarried participants were more likely to be classified into the "Moderate Symptom Type" (p = 0.027, OR = 1.86).

Our study enhanced understanding of SLE's complexity, identified gender, employment, and marital status as key factors, and advised targeted nursing for high-risk patients. Clinicians should consider SLE's system involvement and strengthen social support.