Healthy lifestyle promotion in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: effects on life quality and psychological aspects

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients have a lower health-related quality of life when compared to the general population and also to other rheumatic and severe chronic diseases. Disease activity, pain, fatigue, treatment, comorbidities, demographic, social and emotional factors are predictors of a lower life quality in these patients. In theory, interventions to promote physical activity and health food consumption could improve life quality of Systemic Lupus Erythematous patients. This large randomized controlled trial ("Living Well with Lupus") aims to evaluate the effects of a new "real world" clinic intervention, that promotes structured and unstructured physical activity and health food consumption (based on Dietary Guideline for the Brazilian population), on cardiovascular risk, life quality, sleep quality and psychological aspects in Systemic Lupus Erythematous patients. In this thesis, specifically, the outcomes of interest are the ones associated with life quality, sleep quality and psychological aspects. Quantitative and qualitative methods will be used. Before and after intervention, will be evaluated: 1) physical activity level and sedentary behavior; 2) food consumption; 3) clinical parameters; 4) life quality; 5) psychological aspects (anxiety, depression); 6) sleep quality. Focus groups will be performed at the end of the follow-up to qualitatively evaluate intervention impacts. The findings of this project can fit as base for new prescriptions based in evidence with the aim to modify Systemic Lupus Erythematous patients life style. (AU)