Dignity of women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A qualitative study

Background: The nature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the far-reaching unpleasant consequences of this disease and the treatments can put the dignity of the women with the disease at risk. Yet, the dignity of this population of patients has not been the subject of much research. Objective: The present study aims to define and describe the concept of dignity of women with SLE. Research design: This is a qualitative descriptive study in which data were collected via individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analyzed using methods of content analysis in MAXQDA 2010. Participants and research context: In total, 29 individuals (14 patients, 8 family caregivers, and 7 nurses) were selected by purposeful sampling from the internal wards of a teaching hospital located in the south of Iran. The study was conducted between June 2023 and February 2024. Sampling continued until the data were saturated. Ethical considerations: The Institutional Review Board of the university has verified that the study complies with research ethics. Findings: Analysis of the data extracted from the interviews resulted in three themes: respect for identity, compassion in care and treatment, and fulfillment of support needs. Conclusions: The women with SLE who were surveyed in the present study needed to have their feminine identity and social identity respected and be comprehensively supported by their treatment team and family caregivers. In such a context, care characterized by compassion and empathy and treatment teams’ respectful and professional interactions with the patients contribute to maintaining the patients’ dignity. Nursing managers and staff can use the findings of the present study to create a supportive clinical environment in order to better maintain the dignity of women with SLE.