SLE mostly affects women; however, males represent 4-22% of patients. Research shows men tend to seek medical attention & supportive care < women & are underrepresented at self-management/support services for coping with SLE, despite having higher disease severity. Limited research exists regarding the specific medical, psychosocial, & support needs of men with SLE. Our hospital conducted a national survey to identify self-reported needs & concerns for men with SLE, as well as their interest in male specific support forums.
More than half of males with lupus report feeling depressed, receive little support.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City launched the nationwide survey to assess the needs of male patients and found that 58% reported feeling depressed for several days or more than half the days in the previous two weeks. Regarding support and coping, 52% reported that they received no support. More than 80% of respondents indicated that lupus limited their activities of daily living, mostly due to pain and fatigue.