SLE mostly affects women; however, males represent 4-22% of patients. Research shows men tend to seek medical attention & supportive care < women & are underrepresented at self-management/support services for coping with SLE, despite having higher disease severity. Limited research exists regarding the specific medical, psychosocial, & support needs of men with SLE. Our hospital conducted a national survey to identify self-reported needs & concerns for men with SLE, as well as their interest in male specific support forums.

To address this, Jillian Rose, PhD, MPH, LCSW, and Priscilla Toral, LCSW, both from Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), and colleagues administered a survey to identify self-reported needs and concerns of men with SLE.

Findings of the survey included the following: 76% of men reporting worrying more about their future since receiving a lupus diagnosis; 53% reported that SLE affects their sexual health; 52% reported receiving no support for their condition; and 50% of men reported that they were very likely or likely to participate in a male-only support group for SLE.

To read the full article please click here (there is a link to the original research at the bottom of the article).