The experience of women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

This study aims to understand the experience of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in terms of meanings they attach to experiences related to the process of becoming ill. SLE is a chronic disease that can affect different organ systems in varying degrees of commitment and most of the affected populations are women. This is a qualitative study in which it was used as a procedure, semi-structured interviews with six women diagnosed with SLE which were in clinical care. The reports from patients indicate that the lack of information about the disease slows down the emotional impact of the diagnostic definition, the moment of the understanding of the diagnosis is permeated by feelings of sadness and anguish, the unpredictability of the progression and remission of symptoms is one of main difficulties in dealing with the disease, the practice of spirituality and interpersonal relationships are presented as an important resource for managing this process.