Quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus

This study reports the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the quality of life of 37 SLE patients by using two quality of life (QOL) instruments, the Sickness Impact Profile and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2. Findings suggested that SLE affects all areas that are considered essential for QOL including alertness behavior, recreation/pastime, sleep and rest, home management, social interaction, and emotional balance. Findings suggest that in the management of chronic illnesses such as SLE, QOL assessments may provide health care professionals with data that would enhance the likelihood of designing holistic interventions. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.