People with Lupus Prove to be Resilient during COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Orders
In Italy, new research shows that COVID-19-related quarantine did not impact people with lupus notably differently than the general population. In fact, feelings of sadness or depression during the shelter-in-place period were less common among survey respondents with lupus than those without the disease. The researchers report this difference may be due to the coping skills and emotional resilience many people with chronic diseases learn to adapt.
A total of 64 people with lupus completed the survey, and their responses were compared to survey answers from people of similar ages and backgrounds without lupus. Researchers used three different tools to assess different aspects of well-being during quarantine. Overall, study participants’ feelings during the shelter-in-place period – including COVID-19 concerns, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or confidence in the future – were similar between the two groups.
However, a few differences were noted. People without lupus reported greater feelings of sadness and depression. Additionally, compared to people without lupus, people with lupus reported more difficulty finding and enjoying free time and felt they had more difficulty than usual solving their own problems. Those with lupus also reported avoiding discussion that reminded them of the pandemic, which the researchers suggest may be an example of an effective coping strategy.
The Lupus Foundation of American (LFA) continues to report on breaking news and research updates related to lupus and the pandemic. Learn more about COVID-19 and lupus.