Peer-based self-management interventions may prove beneficial for adult African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus

A new study found peer-mentoring interventions on self-reported disease activity, symptom severity, and flare frequency among adult African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may have supportive benefits. Black/African American people have a higher risk of developing lupus and experiencing disease complications. Enhancing the quality of life and disease self-management while lowering disease activity among adult African American women with SLE and other chronic conditions is important.

Researchers analyzed longitudinal data from The Peer Approaches to Self-Management (PALS) trial. Trial participants consisted of adult African American women with SLE who were assigned to one of three groups: the intervention (mentees), a social support control, or a peer mentor group. The intervention participants attended 12 structured sessions every two weeks for 24 weeks, led by trained peers using a culturally meaningful curriculum. 

Using various statistical models, they evaluated changes in disease flare frequency, symptom severity, and perceived lupus activity across the three groups at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the intervention using the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire. They found:

• Participants who received peer mentoring reported higher perceived lupus activity after the intervention compared to baseline, but the increase was not statistically significant after adjustments.
• Mentors reported feeling better after three months, with a reduction in symptom severity, suggesting that participating in peer support may benefit both mentors and mentees.
• People who had jobs or health insurance experienced fewer symptoms and reduced disease activity compared to those without work or insurance.

This study supports previous research showing that people are more likely to respond well to health programs led by people who understand or share their culture. This research can help guide state policies and resource planning to improve SLE outcomes in areas that share similar population and health differences. 

The Lupus Foundation of America offers the Strategies to Embrace Living with Lupus Fearlessly (SELF) self-management program to help people with lupus build and enhance skills in four pillars of lupus self-management: managing symptoms, managing stress, managing medications, and working with their health care team. SELF is free and available to people with lupus ages 18 years and over. Learn more about SELF and how to participate at Lupus.org/SELF.

Read the study