On average, only 46% of people with SLE of working age report being employed.
3 Some studies have shown that the longer a person has had SLE, the less likely they are to be a part of the workforce. Many studies use employment as a measure to determine the quality of life of people with SLE, as employment is central to a person’s life. Fatigue is the most common symptom negatively affecting the quality of life of people with SLE. These limitations experienced by people with SLE can impact their quality of life, especially if they experience fatigue. SLE can limit a person’s physical, mental, and social functioning. Poor access to care, late diagnosis, less effective treatments, and poor adherence to therapeutic regimens may increase the damaging effects of SLE, causing more complications and an increased risk of death.
Early diagnosis and effective treatments can help reduce the damaging effects of SLE and improve the chance to have better function and quality of life. SLE can have both short- and long-term effects on a person’s life.
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