Medical and psychosocial predictors of sexual outcome among women with systemic lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

The influence of medical and psychosocial variables on sexual outcome in 100 women with systemic lupus erythematosus was examined. Subjects were administered a sexual adjustment interview and scales assessing depression, body image, and relationship qualilty. Medical data were obtained from patients and physicians. Key predictors of sexual outcome were disease severity (P < 0.001), premorbid sexual adjustment (P < 0.05), and relationship quality (P < 0.05). Results suggest that the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus on sexual response may best be understood by considering a combination of interpersonal, psychological, and medical conditions in a patient's life. Copyright © 1993 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA