Effect of Self-Care Guidelines on Health Outcomes and Self-Efficacy among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease.In addition to various clinical manifestations, it has spiritual, psycho-social and economic consequences.Self-care is crucial for managing lupus erythematosus, as patients can improve their prognosis by learning about the illness and closely monitoring their health with care providers.Aim: The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of self-care guidelines on health outcomes and self-efficacy among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized.Setting: This study was conducted at Rheumatology unit, affiliated to South Valley University Hospitals.Subjects: A purposive sample of 150 patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus.Tools: Data were collected using four tools: Tool (I): A structured interviewing questionnaire, Tool (II): Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Assessment Tool, Tool (III): Lupus Patient Reported Outcomes: (Lupus PRO) and Tool (IV): General Self Efficacy Scale-GSE.Results: There was a highly statistical significance difference between total mean knowledge scores, as well as total level of self-care reported practice and self-efficacy at pre, post and follow up after implementation of the self-care guidelines among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.Conclusion: There was a large effect size of self-care guidelines on patients' health outcomes and self-efficacy at pre, post and follow-up phase after implementation of self-care guidelines.Recommendations: Ongoing educational programs for patients with SLE in order to enhance their health status.