LupusQoL, a new systemic lupus erythematosus-specific quality of life measure: comment on the article by McElhone et al

摘要

We read with interest the study of the development of the second systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-specific quality of life (QOL) instrument, the LupusQoL, in a recent article in Arthritis Care & Research (1). We offer some observations on the LupusQoL and address the remarks the authors made about our questionnaire, the SLE-specific QOL instrument (SLEQOL) (2).The authors stressed that the items in the LupusQoL were generated through interviews with patients. Although this approach is correct, we see a few problems in the LupusQoL that may have resulted from this.Because the patients involved in the qualitative study were women, the activities cited seem to carry less relevance for men; for example, decorating, moving furniture, vacuuming, ironing, shopping, cleaning the bathroom, cooking, opening jars, dusting, childcare, and housework. Men may find difficulties in answering the questions that contain such activities.