Faculty Collaboration Database

The impact of a peer-mentoring intervention on self-reported flare and disease activity among African American women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Lupus 2026 Apr;35(4):399-409

Date

02/11/2026

Pubmed ID

41669983

Pubmed Central ID

PMC12900037

DOI

10.1177/09612033261422819

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-105029952718 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

IntroductionSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) disproportionately affects African American women, who experience higher disease severity and face barriers to accessing supportive care. Peer mentoring offers a culturally tailored approach to improving chronic disease self-management and psychosocial well-being in underserved populations.AimsTo assess the impact of a peer-mentoring interventions on self-reported disease activity, symptom severity, and flare frequency among African American women with SLE.MethodsThis study is a sub-analysis of the Peer Approaches to Lupus Self-Management (PALS) randomized controlled trial. Adult African American female participants with SLE were assigned to an intervention, a social support control group, or served as peer mentors. The intervention group received 12 structured biweekly sessions over 24 weeks, delivered by trained peers using a culturally relevant curriculum. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention using the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ). Linear and cumulative logit mixed models were used to assess longitudinal changes, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates.ResultsThe intervention group reported sustained reductions in symptom severity over time, although not statistically significant. Notably, mentors demonstrated significant improvements in symptom severity at 3 months (mean difference: -2.53; 95% CI: -4.95, -0.11), suggesting reciprocal benefits of peer engagement. Employment and insurance status were consistently associated with lower symptom burden and disease activity.ConclusionThe results of our study support policy initiatives that invest in peer-based self-management interventions, expand insurance access, and address employment barriers shown to influence disease burden in individuals with SLE. Such efforts are critical to reducing health disparities and improving long-term disease outcomes.

Author List

Williams EM, Parvar SY, Keller E, Nietert PJ, Dismuke-Greer CL, Johnson H, Williams JS, Oates J

Author

Joni Williams MD, MPH Center Director, Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Female
Humans
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Mentoring
Mentors
Middle Aged
Peer Group
Self Report
Self-Management
Severity of Illness Index
Social Support
Symptom Flare Up