Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, rheumatic, autoimmune disease. No single cause has been identified and the clinical presentation ranges from a chronic debilitating disease to one that is potentially life threatening due to organ dysfunction (D'Cruz 2006). Common symptoms include: painful joints, fever, skin rash, chest pain, and chronic fatigue (Baker et al 2009, Scofield et al 2008). No epidemiological data are available on SLE in the Republic of Ireland (RoI); however, there is a reported incidence rate of 4.71/100,000 of SLE in the United Kingdom (UK), with a higher rate of 7.62/100,000 in Northern Ireland (NI) (Somers et al 2007). SLE is more prevalent among women, with a common age of onset between late teens and early 40s. Acute flare-ups of SLE are managed with medication and rehabilitation (Brown 2006). SLE has a relatively low incidence within the general population in comparison to other inflammatory rheumatic conditions (Somers et al 2007). A need for research into specific issues in relation to SLE is required to assist in planning and delivering suitable interventions for this population (Almehed et al 2010). Fatigue is identified as a symptom of many chronic conditions which interferes with occupational participation (Stout and Finlayson 2011). Law (2002) defined occupational participation as the nature and extent of involvement in activity, and stressed its importance for people with chronic conditions. This exploratory study was aimed at investigating SLE-related fatigue, including management strategies and impact on occupational participation.

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