Learn the differentials to eliminate the disparities by recognizing, diagnosing and treating lupus in a culturally competent manner.
Overview
The Lupus Initiative® (TLI), a national program of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), is dedicated to providing tools and resources to healthcare providers, from general practitioners and medical specialists to nurse practitioners and school nurses. TLI’s robust offering includes continuing medical education, patient materials, interactive case studies, videos, presentations, and more.
By helping healthcare providers recognize who is most at risk for lupus, detect potential symptoms, and make appropriate referrals to rheumatology health professionals, TLI aims to improve health prospects for people with undiagnosed lupus.
About Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, referred to as SLE or lupus, is a chronic (long-term) disease that most commonly causes rashes, arthritis, inflammation, swelling, and fatigue. It is sometimes called the “great imitator,” because people often confuse lupus with other health problems due to its wide range of symptoms.Lupus can affect many parts of the body including the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. It can vary from mild to severe and usually alternates between periods of activity, reduced activity, and even remission.
While an early diagnosis improves quality of life and patient outcomes, receiving a lupus diagnosis can be a difficult and timely process. Therefore, it is important to know the signs, establish good communication with healthcare professionals, and develop a self-care plan upon receiving a lupus diagnosis. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the disease is now more manageable than in years past, allowing people affected by lupus people to live full, productive lives.
Health Disparities
Health disparities are the differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of disease (and other adverse health conditions) that exist among specific populations in the United States. Healthcare disparities associated with lupus have been linked to an array of different healthcare system factors including health policies, health systems operations, and unconscious clinician bias. Additionally, social, environmental, individual, and family contexts are also correlated with health disparities in lupus.
- Women are 9 times more likely to develop lupus than men
- Black women are 3 times more likely to develop lupus than White women
- Lupus affects up to 1 in 250 Black women in the United States
- Hispanic, Asian, and Native American populations are also more likely to develop lupus
- Women are 9 times more likely to develop lupus than men