Living With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Qualitative Study Exploring The Experiences of Women

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the life experiences of women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Materials and Methods: This study design was qualitative design-phenomenological. Individual in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 women with systemic lupus erythematosus at the rheumatology outpatients’ department of a university hospital between January and April 2018. The patients were chosen with purposive sampling. Interviews were semi-structured, using a descriptive questionnaire and a semi- interview form. The interviews conducted with face-to-face in-depth interview method, were audio-taped and fully transcribed. Thematic analysis of data from semi-structured interviews were analysed using the steps of Colaizzi. Results: Five categories and 11 themes were identified by phenomenological data analysis. The categories were disease perception, self-perception, role-relationship, coping-stress tolerance, financial impact. Conclusions: In the treatment and care process of women with SLE, the effects of the disease and treatment on an individual’s life should be determined, taking into account individual characteristics and conditions, and the necessary improvement and support should be provided.