Lupus and Nursing Care: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder with diverse clinical manifestations and significant impacts on patients’ physical and psychosocial well-being. Given their pivotal role in patient care, nurses must possess adequate knowledge and skills to manage SLE effectively. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practical approaches of nurses regarding SLE in order to identify educational needs and improve patient care. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted between December 2024 and February 2025 in two university hospitals in Sousse, Tunisia. An anonymous, pre-tested 29-item questionnaire assessed nurses’ demographics, knowledge of SLE, and related practices. Nurses from internal medicine, dermatology, rheumatology, and nephrology departments with at least six months of experience were included. Results: Seventy nurses participated, predominantly female (77.1%) with a mean age of 35.77 years. Dermatology was the most represented department (30%), followed by nephrology (24.3%). While 92.9% identified SLE as an autoimmune disease, only a minority recognized its chronic nature. Knowledge of affected demographics and treatments was moderate, though misconceptions about immunosuppressive therapy were common. Preventive strategies such as sun protection and nutritional guidance were poorly known. Nearly half the participants emphasized the nurse’s role in patient communication and psychosocial support, and fewer cited stress management or therapeutic education as strategies for managing flares. Conclusion: Despite general awareness of SLE, significant knowledge gaps persist among nurses, particularly regarding treatment mechanisms and preventive care. These findings underscore the need for targeted training programs to enhance nursing competencies and improve the multidisciplinary management of SLE.