The experience of young patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a qualitative research

Objective To explore the illness experience and perspectives of youth patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in China. Methods The research was conducted following phenomenological approach of qualitative research. Twelve patients with SLE were selected through purposive sampling method. The interviewer conducted hour-long semi-structured interviews according to the proposed interview outline. Data were analyzed based on Colaizzi phenomenological research method. Results Three themes were identified, including emotional experience since illness, SLE related limitations, and perceived stigma. Conclusions There exists a dynamic variation in disease related experience of young SLE patients. Understanding the feelings of those patients can help eliminate the negative factors so as to provide effective nursing intervention for patients and improve the quality of young patients′ life with long-term living. Key words: Systemic lupus erythematosus; Illness experience; Qualitative research