Lupus Erythematosus Quality of Life Questionnaire (LEQoL): Development and Psychometric Properties

Abstract

Lupus erythematosus (LE) affects patients’ quality of life. Nevertheless, no instrument has been developed to assess the quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) patients. This study aims to develop and psychometrically test the “Quality of Life of Patients with Lupus Erythematosus Instrument” (LEQoL) and study the quality of life of these patients. Finally, percentiles for interpreting scores of LEQoL in patients with LE are provided. This study is cross-sectional, with a sample of 158 patients recruited from a lupus association for the psychometric evaluation of the final version of LEQoL. The scale’s reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability (CR), and average variance extracted (AVE). Validity was examined through exploratory factorial analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factorial analyses (CFA). The definitive model, composed of 21 items grouped into five factors, presented good psychometric properties. Mean levels of quality of life were observed in patients with systemic LE, with higher values in patients with cutaneous LE. The LEQoL instrument is a useful tool for assessing the quality of life of patients with LE, allowing the evaluation of current clinical practices, the identification of educational needs, and the assessment of the effectiveness of interventions intended to improve the quality of life of patients with LE, SLE, and CLE.

Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of Lupus Erythematosus Quality of Life Questionnaire (LEQoL)

“…Besides existing other scales for assessing QoL in patients with lupus, this scale is multi-diversionary, and brief. Brief scales with adequate subscales and self-referred nature are more suitable rather than comprehensive, di cult, and unclear scales (14,22). In Iran, because of poor insurance procedures and lack of an adequate number of clinicians all around the country, brief and clear scales can help patients to use self-assessment.…”

“…Quality of Life of Patients with Lupus Erythematosus Instrument" (LEQoL): This scale consist of 21 items in ve subscales: Physical Factor, Appearance factor, Emotional factors, Cognition factor, and Relationship factor. Results showed that original version of LEQoL has suitable psychometric properties (14). The higher scores indicate higher impairments in patients with Lupus.…”

“…Recently, a Lupus Erythematosus Quality of Life Questionnaire (LEQoL) has been developed by Castellano-Rioja et.al (2020). This scale measures Lupus Erythematosus patient's Quality of Life in ve subscale: Physical Factor, Appearance factor, Emotional factors, Cognition factor, and Relationship factor (14).…”

Which interventions are effective for cutaneous disease in systemic lupus erythematosus? A Cochrane Review summary with commentary

“…Furthermore, it should be noticed that patients affected by SLE might be of rehabilitative interest, considering that disease duration and organ damage could be considered as indicators of low physical capacity 9 . Thus, it is important to address these aspects to increase physical capacity in the management of subjects with SLE.…”

“…It has been shown that skin is second only to joints as the most affected organ system in patients with SLE 8 . It has been shown that quality of life is significantly impaired in patients with CLE 9 . A wide variety of interventions are available for cutaneous disease in SLE, including pharmacological agents and complementary and alternative therapies, as well as other interventions.…”