Auto-immune Diseases and Quality of Life
Auto-immune Diseases and Quality of Life
Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), systemic sclerosis (Ssc) and inflammatory myopathy (IM)
 are rare diseases, whose prevalence is estimated at 43, 15 and 10 cases, respectively, for
 100 000 inhabitants in France. These diseases belong to the group of auto-immune diseases and
 require specialized follow-up in an expert centre. The repercussions of SLE, Ssc and IM on
 the everyday life of patients are heavy, and notably linked to skin involvement, to
 diminished functional capacities and psychological problems. The vast majority of these
 diseases concern middle-aged, professionally-active individuals, for whom the
 socio-professional repercussions are major and too often neglected. The aim of this study is
 to analyse the consequences of auto-immune diseases on quality of life. Current quality of
 life questionnaires are not suitable, and do not reveal the reality of the situation and its
 different nuances. In this research, the quality of life of patients will be envisaged
 through their everyday lives. How do these patients construct the social reality of the
 disease? How do they perceive their health status and their social situation? How do they
 organize their everyday lives around the disease: work, leisure, relationships with their
 entourage... ?
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  For all patients:

 -  Patients aged 18 to 75 years

 -  Patients able to understand written and spoken French

 -  Patients who have been given oral and written information about the research

 For patients with SLE:

 - SLE defined by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 criteria

 For patients with systemic sclerosis:

 - SSc according to the Leroy or American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria

 For patients with IM:

 - IM according to the Trojanov criteria

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Refusal to take part in the study

 -  Cognitive/psychological status incompatible with interviews