UNVEIL survey results shed light on effects of managing lupus

Lupus equally takes a toll on the lives of patients with the disease and their caregivers, according to results of the recently released UNVEIL survey.

“The UNVEIL survey provides the public an opportunity to see how life can be interrupted by lupus and why we need everyone’s help to fight this cruel disease,” Sandra Raymond, president and chief executive officer of the Lupus Foundation of America, stated in a press release.

The UNVEIL survey was conducted online by ICON Commercialization & Outcomes on behalf of the Lupus Foundation of America and Eli Lilly and Company. Between February 2014 and March 2014, a total of 827 patients with lupus and 253 lupus caregivers completed the survey.

According to the survey’s findings, the average patient with lupus takes eight prescriptions medications to help treat the disease. Of the 23% of patients with lupus who had sever lupus flares all or most of the lime during the last 3 months, 40% were admitted to the hospital at least once during the past 12 months, with an average stay of 10.5 days.

The study also showed 89% of people diagnosed with lupus said the disease impacts their work life and 74% of caregivers report that caring for someone with lupus impacts their work life.

The survey showed that 55% of people with lupus must work either part time or intermittently due to the disease and 41% of caregivers do the same.

The survey also found that 90% of patients with lupus feel anxious and 85% are depressed. Caregivers for patients with lupus had similar degrees of anxiety and depression.

For 76% of the patients surveyed, fatigue limits their ability to participate in social activities. For caregivers, 49% replied that caregiving responsibilities impact their ability to socialize with friends.

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