Primary Submission Category: Health behaviors
A Qualitative Study of How Black Adults with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Approach Critical Health Behaviors
Authors: Anushka Patil, Rachel Bergmans, Rhiju Chakraborty, Nikita Sangavi,
Presenting Author: Anushka Patil*
BACKGROUND: Community-engaged research can help advance equity in conditions like systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which is a significant cause of death and disability among Black communities. Existing care guidelines for SLE fail to integrate the importance of lifestyle changes and self-care for symptom management. Consistent with community-engaged principals, qualitative evidence can inform new interventions and clinical protocols by prioritizing lived experience and marginalized perspectives.
AIM: We aim to characterize how Black adults with SLE approach lifestyle changes and engage in health behaviors for symptom management.
METHODS: This study uses a community-engaged and interpretive description design. We conducted semi-structured interviews with Black adults who reported having SLE. Our inductive, thematic analysis approach focuses on four overarching health behaviors (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management). We are collaborating with the University of Michigan’s Community Advisory Board for Lupus Carea and Research (Lupus CAB), which is composed of Black women with SLE, throughout our data interpretation and dissemination to ensure the accuracy and relevance of our findings.
RESULTS: We completed 30 interviews (96% female, mean age = 41 years). Our preliminary results include the following categories: (1) managing inflammation and every levels with dietary changes, (2) finding success with low-impact activities, (3) balancing rest and activity, (4) embracing mental health promotion to regulate stress, (5) navigating social context.
NEXT STEPS: We will present our preliminary results to the Lupus CAB for input before we refine our themes for final confirmation with the Lupus CAB.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the lifestyles that help manage symptoms in the face of the physical restrictions imposed by SLE. In addition, results offer insights into the challenges that hinder appropriate health behaviors.