The Association of Illness Uncertainty and Hope With Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cross-sectional Study of Psychological Distress in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Women

Abstract

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are commonly observed psychological symptoms in patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to explore the possible factors that influence depression and anxiety symptoms development in SLE women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2017 and December 2018 in Liaoning, China. Questionnaires including Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale for Adults, and Herth Hope Scale were completed by 205 participants. Factors related to depression and anxiety were examined using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, while the effect of hope was examined using structural equation model.ResultsThe prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in female SLE patients was 79.5% and 86.8%, respectively. Illness uncertainty was strongly positively correlated with depression and anxiety symptoms. In contrast, hope was negatively associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. Up to 66.6% and 59.4% of the variance explained by all the variables was 66.6% in depression symptoms and 59.4% in anxiety symptoms. Interestingly, hope was able to alter the relationship of illness uncertainty with depression and anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsWhile illness uncertainty can increase depression and anxiety symptoms, hope can reduce these symptoms. Therefore, hope-based targeted interventions should be employed to prevent and treat depression and anxiety symptoms among SLE women.

Trust in the attending rheumatologist, health-related hope, and medication adherence among Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: the TRUMP2-SLE project

“…To date, only a preventive role of hope for mental status, such as depression and anxiety, has been noted in patients with SLE. [18] Considering that high levels of hope may contribute to lower burden on self-management and better blood pressure control among patients with chronic kidney disease, [15] health-related hope may serve as a psychological factor that drives continuing successful self-management, regardless of the type of chronic disease.…”

Prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety among Chinese diabetic retinopathy patients: A cross-sectional study

“…When the score is ≥ 10 points, it is considered as depression. The Chinese version of the PHQ-9 has been confirmed to have good reliability and validity [ 30 ]. The Cronbach’s α of the scale was 0.834 in the current study.…”

One year in review 2021: systemic lupus erythematosus

“…• Clinical remission is attainable in real life, for patients who are unable to reach clinical remission, LLDAS is an alternative target of treatment, being able to reduce severe damage accrual (59-65); • The LupusPRO survey tool was more sensitive than generic SF-36 scare in recognising changes of disease activity and organ damage (67); • Anxiety, depression, chronic pain and fatigue have a negative impact on patients' quality of life and should therefore be assessed and properly treated; patients should be educated and encouraged to self-empowerment (67)(68)(69)(70)(71)(72)(73).…”