May is Lupus Awareness Month: Unique Ways Lupus Impacts Hispanics
May is Lupus awareness month, and we want to help raise awareness on this disease and its' impact to the Hispanic community. Lupus is one of the cruelest, most mysterious diseases — an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body, causing the immune system to attack healthy tissue instead of fighting infections. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, a challenge to treat and can be fatal.
While lupus affects individuals of all ethnic backgrounds, research has shown that certain ethnic groups, including African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and Pacific Islander communities, are at a higher risk of developing lupus than others. It’s estimated that 21 percent of those with lupus in the United States are Hispanic. Hispanic and Latino individuals, in particular, may face some distinct challenges when it comes to lupus:
Cultural Factors: Cultural differences can influence how lupus is perceived and managed within Hispanic communities. Raising awareness about the disease's impact on Hispanic individuals is crucial.
Access to Healthcare: Disparities in access to healthcare may affect early diagnosis and treatment for Hispanics with lupus. Advocacy for better healthcare access is vital. The Lupus Foundation of America is dedicated to addressing health disparities in lupus.
Language Barriers: Language barriers can hinder effective communication with healthcare providers. That’s why it’s important to the LFA to have resources in Spanish on our National Resource Center on Lupus to help people with lupus who speak Spanish to navigate their disease. The Lupus Foundation of America recently held the first ever Spanish Lupus & You in September, which focused on diagnosis, symptoms, and more. A recording of this event can be found here.
Family and Community Support: The strong sense of family and community in Hispanic cultures can be both a source of support and potential stress for individuals living with lupus. Finding a support group of individuals going through a similar journey can serve as a helpful outlet for the difficulties that come with a lupus diagnosis. More information on support groups available through the LFA can be found below.
Lupus takes a significant toll, the burden on daily life can be devastating. ·
Lupus is ranked the fifth cause of death among Black and Hispanic women, ages 15-24, and a leading cause of death among all young women.
55% of people with lupus say they can no longer work full-time due to lupus complications. · 76% of lupus patients say fatigue caused by lupus has forced them to cut back on social activities.
The average annual total costs for people with lupus (combining direct and indirect costs) can be as high as $50,000.
People with lupus take on average nearly eight prescription medications to manage all their medical conditions caused by the disease.
Resources for Hispanics Living with Lupus
The Lupus Foundation of America offers valuable resources and support for individuals of Hispanic heritage living with lupus. The National Resource Center on Lupus has hundreds of resources that have been translated into Spanish. One such resource is our new 12-week email series created in Spanish, Tome Control, which provides information, tips, and resources tailored to the needs of Hispanic individuals dealing with lupus.
Join the Lupus Community
Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be a powerful coping mechanism for those living with lupus. The Lupus Foundation of America offers a network of support groups, including a dedicated group for Hispanics with lupus. These groups provide a sense of community, understanding, and a safe space to share your journey.
Together, we can raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for a brighter future for all those affected by this complex autoimmune disease.
Links to Resources: