Illness Perception in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Relationship with Coping Strategies and Health-Related Quality of Life among Kermanshah and Tabriz Patients in 2015

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory multi-system autoimmune disorder producing auto antibodies against different cell components with a ratio of women to men being 9:1. Patients are typically 15–45 years of age. SLE mainly occurs among African-Americans and Asians. In Iran, SLE prevalence is 40 per 100,000 people. SLE was defined as a mortal disorder but surveillance has improved dramatically over the last 60 years. Despite physical features, SLE has tremendous effects on psychological function, emotional state, wellbeing, general health and social life that indicate the high prevalence (94-100%) of unrequited needs regarding physical status, daily living and psychological concerns. Therefore, by determining effective psychological-social factors, we can improve self-care, prevent consequences and promote quality of health. Since cognitive evaluation of disease is related to health outcomes and the ultimate objective of perception of chronic illness is appropriate control by the patient and preventing consequences. By considering all above-mentioned arguments, designing a study for assessing patient’s perception of illness, strategies coping and health related quality of life and also determining their needs seems essential. In this case, we can design suitable educational programs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess SLE patient’s perception of illness, strategies coping whit illness and health related quality of life and their relationship together. Material and Methods: In the present descriptive-correlated study, 164 patients diagnosed with SLE were recruited from the Kermanshah and Tabrize health centers of Iran by convenience sampling. Patients were interviewed individually and evaluated by the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R), strategies coping Questionnaire (Brief cope) and Health-related Quality of Life Measurement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (HRQOL LUPUS). Afterwards, the data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Results: Between perception of illness and strategies coping and Health-related Quality of Life variables there is significant relationship.the results of this study revealed that positive perception of illness due to using of positive strategies coping and better outcome and also negative perception of illness duo to negative outcome. The most significant variables on quality of life was respectively included: Consequences, Cause of disease, self-balme, Personal control, active coping, alcohol /drug use, venting. The expressed variance for quality of life by this seven variables was 40%. A substantial finding of this research which is unlike other studies is that there was no significant association between timeline and any of the variables of quality of life, and also there was non-relationship between perception of illness and some strategies coping as use of instrumental support. Conclusion: we assess SLE patient’s perception of illness, strategies coping and health related quality of life and their relationship together. The present study has used the self-regulation model for determining disease behaviors, methods for encountering symptoms and defeating SLE and also Findings indicate the notable role of Psychological factors and cognitive evaluations and their effect on outcome. According to the undeniable effects of perception of illness on quality of life, we can use the findings of the present study for planning educational programs for SLE patients with the aim of cognitive promotion and psychological interventions, assessing effectiveness of treatments and decreasing the burden of treatment costs on patients, their family and the society. Subsequently, SLE is better controlled, its consequences are reduced and quality of life is enhanced.