Investigation and Analysis of Anxiety and Quality of Life among Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients in Northwestern China

The aim of this study was to provide targeted psychological support and effective nursing for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. SLE is a complex, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent episodes and the involvement of multiple organs. With improvements in SLE treatment and the corresponding increase in patients’ survival time, the quality of life (QoL) of SLE patients has become an important indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of clinical treatments. To explore the anxiety states and health-related QoL of SLE patients, 106 SLE patients were asked to provide responses for the short-form 36 health survey (SF36), and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and Visual Analog Scale(VAS). Additionally, the Systemic Lupus Collaborative Clinics Damage Index (SDI) was analyzed. Data regarding patients’ age, gender, education level, occupation, family income, and duration of disease were collected. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to patients’ health-related QoL. For the SF36, the mental components score (MCS), mental health (MH), and bodily pain (BP) occupied dominant positions. Additionally, the MH domain was significantly associated with anxiety in SLE patients. Negative relationships were identified between irregular sleep and the scores for role limitations due to physical problem (RP), vitality (VT), and role limitations due to emotional problem (RE) domains. From the analysis of SLEDAI and SDI scores, anxiety among SLE patients was mainly affected by disease activity and quality of life. This study provides a preliminary understanding of the QoL of SLE patients in western China and highlights the need for the future development of strategies to provide targeted psychological support and effective nursing for SLE patients, in order to improve patients’ self-awareness, mental health, and QoL.