Neuropsychological Functioning in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a disorder in which a person’s immune system attacks the tissues and organs of the body, causing inflammation, damage and dysfunction. Challenges associated with SLE include cognitive and behavioural changes as well as problems with perceived quality of life. It affects mainly women in their prime in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the neuropsychological functioning of individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Accra, Ghana. The study used a mixed method design; one hundred and thirty five (135) participants comprising 70 SLE patients and 65 healthy controls were recruited from the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital in Accra for the quantitative phase. Eleven SLE patients were further recruited from the same sample for the qualitative phase. Quantitative data was collected using a battery of neuropsychological tests and behavioural measures. The quantitative data was analysed using multivariate analysis of covariance, standard multiple regression analysis, and independent t test. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The quantitative results showed statistically significant differences between the SLE patients and the healthy control group on the cognitive tests, the behavioural and the quality of life measures. Further, attention positively predicted quality of life. The qualitative findings revealed the challenges SLE patients encounter, as well as the social support received and coping strategies they adopt. The findings are discussed in relation to enhancing SLE care and management of chronic diseases in Ghana.