The influence of anxiety and depression on Korean lupus patients’ quality of life

Approximately 40% of lupus patients experience anxiety and depression. This study aimed to determine the effects of anxiety and depression on lupus patients’ quality of life.

Methods & Materials:

 This study adopted a correlational predictive survey design. Using convenience sampling, we recruited 117 patients who had been diagnosed with lupus at a general tertiary hospital in Korea. Structured questionnaires were used to assess their demographic and clinical characteristics, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Lupus Quality of Life. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis and were performed with the SAS program (version 9.4).

The participants obtained a mean overall quality of life score of 63.49 out of 100. The highest and lowest means emerged for physical health and burden to others, respectively. Anxiety emerged as the strongest predictor of quality of life, followed by disease activity, depression, and disease duration. These variables explained 53 % of the variance in lupus patients’ quality of life.

Medical professionals should pay close attention to each lupus patient's disease activity and duration to improve his or her quality of life. In particular, multidisciplinary efforts are needed to take proactive steps to screen for anxiety and depression in lupus patients.