Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease
which affects multiple body organs or systems. The patients' quality of life and ability to
work is very much affected by this disease. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect
of continuous care model on self-care practices and quality of life of patients with
systemic lupus erythematosus. Research design: A quasi- experimental design was used.
Setting: The study was carried out at Rheumatology Out Patient Clinic at Benha
Teaching Hospital in Benha City. Sample: A purposive sample of 112 systemic lupus
erythematosus patients was included and equally divided into control and study group (56
patient in each group). Three tools were used to collect the data, tool I: An interviewing
questionnaire consisted of three parts, patients’ demographic data, patients’ medical
history and patients’ knowledge regarding systemic lupus erythematosus. Tool II:
Patients reported self-care practices questionnaire. Tool III: World Health Organization
Quality of Life BREF to assess patients’ quality of life. Results: The present study denoted
that there was a significant improvement in the total levels of study group’ knowledge,
self-care practices and quality of life post one and three months of continuous care model
implementation compared with control group. Also, quality of life was best predicted
among study group by marital status, monthly income, total knowledge, and total self
care practices post care model (p= 0.041*, 0.049*, |
