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 th at are considered essential for QOL including alertness behavior, recr eation/pastime, sleep and rest, home management, social interaction, a nd emotional balance. Findings suggest that in the management of chron ic illnesses such as SLE, QOL assessments may provide health care prof essionals with data that would enhance the likelihood of designing hol istic interventions. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.