Fayza Kamel¹, Naglaa Mohamed El-Mokadem^2,, Om Mohamed Abd El Latif¹, Atef Abo AL Soud³

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a rheumatic disease characterized by a variety of symptoms, especially fatigue and pain. Currently there is no effective pharmacological treatment for fatigue in SLE. Research suggests that exercise can reduce feelings of fatigue. Aim: to examine the effects of exercise intervention on fatigue level among patients with SLE. Methods: A quasi-experimental (pre-post test) design was used. The study was conducted at the Chronic Illness Clinics in Menoufia University Hospital, at Shebin El-Kom district, Menoufia Governorate. A convenient sample of 70 patients was recruited. Tools: A Semi Structured Demographic Sheet; Piper Fatigue Scale to assess fatigue level. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the study and the control group regarding fatigue level post intervention, 54.3% and 40% of the study and the control groups respectively experienced severe fatigue pre intervention compared with 17.1% and 31.4% post intervention. Also, there was a relationship between fatigue level and gender as well as educational level among the study group. Conclusion: Fatigue should be considered as an important factor influencing patient daily life independent of disease activity. Recommendations: Prepare training programs for nurses about the importance of adding exercise to patient’s schedule for the reduction of fatigue among patients with SLE along with the routine hospital care.

exercises, fatigue, nursing intervention, systemic lupus erthematosus