The relationship of sense of coherence and learned resourcefulness to functional health status in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), once considered fatal within five years of diagnosis, is now considered a chronic illness. Few chronic diseases compare with the possible multiple system involvement, treatment side effects, and unpredictability of SLE. Given the variable disease course, it may require certain strengths if women are to realize optimum function while living with SLE.; The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship of sense of coherence (SOC) and learned resourcefulness (LR) to the components of functional health status (FHS) in women with SLE. Employing a descriptive, correlational design, data were collected cross-sectionally. The convenience sample consisted of 111 women with SLE (mean age = 44.9, SD = 9.6). Instrumentation included the Orientation to Life Questionnaire, Self-Control Schedule, Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales-Revised, and Personal Profile Form.; Guided by a salutogenic approach, two research questions were focussed on the analysis of the relationship of SOC and LR to two components of FHS: (a) attribution of problems to SLE and (b) areas for improvement. The questions were answered, but more importantly, women identified areas of FHS in which they would most like to see improvement.; Two major hypotheses were tested: (a) stronger SOC is related to better FHS and (b) higher LR is related to better FHS. Each major hypothesis generated eight sub-hypotheses from components of FHS (i.e., physical, social interaction, symptom, role, affect, satisfaction with current health, perception of current and future health, and overall impact of SLE).; Although the two major hypotheses were not supported, significant (p ≤ .003) relationship between SOC and seven of the FHS components were noted. Specifically, stronger SOC was noted to be related to better FHS in those seven components and higher LR was significantly (p ≤ .002) related to four of the FHS components.; Using two-step hierarchical regression, post hoc analyses were conducted. Those analyses suggested SOC explained significant variability in eight FHS components, the ability to avoid flare, and disability status. In contrast, LR was not a significant determinant of variability. Implications for nursing practice and recommendations for future research were discussed.