The quality of life the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is chronic autoimmune disease involving many organs and systems. It affects young people, mainly women and it is characterized by exacerbations and remissions. SLE leads to serious damage of internal organs, sometimes it is dangerous for life and very often leads to disability which may cause impairment in activities in different domains of life.

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life in patients with SLE in remission.

Material and method. In this study the method of diagnostic survey and analysis of medical documentation have been used. Two research instruments have been applied in this study: a self-made questionnaire and the standardized WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Seventy three patients with SLE in remission have been enrolled in II Department of Internal Medicine of the UJ in Cracow.

Results. It clearly results from the study carried out that the functioning in social and physical domain of WHOQOL-BREF scale in patients with SLE has got the lowest score. The most frequent limitations physical activity concerned everyday house works, sport and recreational activities as well as professional actions. The lower score of the quality of life is associated with older age, higher rate of hospitalizations and attitudes about disease like helplessness and escape.

Conclusions. The results of the study suggest that the quality of life of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus is on the middle level of the WHOQOL-BREF scale.

Nursing Topics 2014; 22 (2): 202–208