Abstract summary 

Although patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience high levels of depression and anxiety disorders, evidence concerning patient perceptions of facilitators and barriers to effective uptake of mental health services (e.g., referral to therapists and psychiatrists, psychoeducational interventions, support groups) is limited.We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 15 adults with SLE to explore patient experiences and perceptions of mental health services to identify facilitators and barriers to accessing mental health care among patients with SLE. Qualitative interviews were conducted via telephone and audio-recorded for transcription and directed content analysis using NVivo software by two coders.Median age of the 15 participants was 48 years, 87% were female, 33% identified as Black or African American, and 33% identified as Hispanic or Latino. Qualitative themes were organized into three domains: barriers, facilitators, and preferences for mental health services. Barriers to use of mental health services included mental health stigma, sociodemographic factors, lack of autonomy, and time commitment. Facilitators to use of mental health services included strong relationships with their rheumatologists and mental healthcare clinician experience with SLE patients. Preferences for mental health services included educationally based formats, mental health providers who works with SLE patients, peer group formats, demographically and disease matched psychological resources, and emphasis on non-disease related activities.In the setting of persistent unmet psychosocial needs of patients living with SLE, data from this qualitative study will inform the development and refinement of mental health interventions that bolster psychological wellbeing in the SLE population.

Authors & Co-authors:  Goldschen Peng Mufson Feldman Case Costenbader Amonoo

Study Outcome 

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