Transforming lupus self-care education with mobile health: A systematic review

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystemic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disease with complex and variable phenotypes and clinical presentations. Patients with SLE often experience low self-esteem, a fear of death, and difficulty in being understood by family and friends. One effective approach to managing and combating SLE is the use of mobile health (mHealth). This study aims to explore the role of mHealth in educating SLE patients on self-care. This systematic review, conducted in August 2024 and updated in February 2025, involved searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the keywords "Mobile Health," "Lupus," and "Self-care." Studies published in English that utilized mHealth to educate SLE patients on self-care were deemed eligible for inclusion. Titles and abstracts were independently reviewed based on the inclusion criteria, and full-text articles were subsequently obtained and reviewed according to the eligibility requirements. A total of 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review. Four studies critically assessed the quality and functionality of existing mobile health applications and information technologies for lupus patients. Three mobile applications-Lupus Ohio, Lupie Diary, and Lupus Corner Health-were introduced in these studies. Two articles focused on self-care education at home using mHealth and electronic tools tailored to individual symptoms. Three studies explored web-based self-management, online education programs, and a virtual skills training program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The findings of this study indicate that the use of mHealth in educating lupus patients on self-care can significantly improve their quality of life. However, further research is needed to raise awareness among patients and their families. It is recommended that a comprehensive application be developed that can track all lupus symptoms and provide educational resources for patients.