Lupus & antiphospholipid syndrome
Survey-based assessment of skin care knowledge and accessibility barriers in lupus
Authors' conclusion
These exploratory findings highlight a need for targeted educational efforts to improve lupus management and outcomes, particularly in low-income groups and communities of color.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with self-reported lupus identified through Research Match, the Northwestern Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse and lupus community organizations, August 2022 to March 2023129 initiated questionnaires
- Participants
- 115 adults
- Outcome
- Skincare and photoprotection knowledge and habits
Methodological details41-question survey, descriptive and linear regression model tests
- 41-question survey
- Descriptive and linear regression model tests
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Correctly identified UVA protection on sunscreen labels
- 43%
- Daily sunscreen use
- 49%
- Skincare information from dermatologists
- 49%
- Skincare information from rheumatologists
- 40%
- Knowledge level, dermatologist vs rheumatologist information source: no statistically significant difference
- p = 0.38
- Photoprotection knowledge significantly lower with Fitzpatrick III-IV vs I-II
- p = 0.002
- Photoprotection knowledge significantly lower with Fitzpatrick V-VI vs I-II
- p = 0.0006
- Lower income (≤$75,000) scored lower than higher income (>$75,000)
- p = 0.003
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Accessibility barriers
- Difficulty affording lupus management
- 33%
- Cost of sunscreen influenced sunscreen use
- 15%
Original publication
Survey-based assessment of skin care knowledge and accessibility barriers in lupus. Lupus. Published 12 January 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →