Evaluation of benefit to educational material for photoprotection in those with cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND

Photosensitivity (PS) in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) contributes to decreased quality of life (QoL).

AIMS

We aimed to assess baseline knowledge about sun protection in persons with CLE and identify knowledge differences by race. Additionally, we aimed to determine the impact of a verbal educational intervention on photoprotection and CLE.

METHODS

31 adults with CLE were recruited from an academic-based dermatology clinic and completed a 17-item questionnaire about CLE and sun protection at three time points: pre- intervention (PR-I), post-intervention (PO-I), and 3-month phone follow up (3MF). An educational intervention using American Academy of Dermatology CLE and sun protection education materials was delivered between PR-I and PO-I.

RESULTS

31 subjects participated at PR-I and PO-I, and 25 subjects (81%) at 3MF. Baseline CLE-related PS and photoprotection knowledge differed significantly by race, with non-Caucasians demonstrating less knowledge (P= 0.049). Knowledge about sun exposure being linked to lupus increased from 81% to 97% (P=0.25) between PR-I and PO-I. At PR-I, 19% agreed that smoking was linked to lupus compared to 90% PO-I (P<0.001). There was increased knowledge of lupus risk for non-Caucasians, UV exposure indoors, and photo-avoidance during peak daytime (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is a baseline disparity in knowledge related to PS and photo protection in CLE by race. A short educational intervention successfully improved immediate lupus-related PS and sun exposure knowledge, but knowledge was not retained long-term. It appears educational materials must be improved.