Abstract
Objective Physical activity (PA) is a promising modifiable behavior for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) symptom management. Yet most patients do not achieve recommended PA levels. Social risk factors are known to influence PA levels in the general population, but their effects on individuals with complex autoimmune conditions like SLE are not fully understood. This study aimed to describe how individuals with self-reported SLE navigate PA, with particular attention to the influence of healthcare provider relationships and the built environment.
Methods We conducted semistructured interviews among adults with self-reported SLE. We analyzed deidentified transcripts using interpretive phenomenological analysis and developed themes to reflect how participants make sense of the relationship between SLE and social risk factors and manage this interplay in relation to physical activity.
Results Our sample consisted of 31 individuals with self-reported SLE (100% female, age range 24-65 years). Participants described how factors related to SLE management, encounters with healthcare providers, and the social and built environment affect PA engagement. Our analysis identified 3 main themes: (1) the challenges of SLE management in maintaining an active and social lifestyle; (2) underutilized position of power (healthcare provider influence on PA engagement); and (3) SLE amplifies the challenges of navigating the built environment.
Conclusion Our findings highlight the effect of individual context and social risk factors on PA in SLE. Future work is needed to determine whether improvements in healthcare guidance and collaborative community planning can address gaps in promoting PA among individuals with SLE.
