Sadra Medical Journal

The Impact of Environmental, Psychological, Socioeconomic, Dietary, and Electromagnetic Exposures on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Development: A Comprehensive Case-Control Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Masoume Rambod 1
Mohammadali Nazarinia 2
Mahdi Salmanpour 3

1 Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Nursing and Midwifery School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Shiraz Geriatric Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Department of Statistics, College of Mathematical Sciences, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/smsj.2025.104794.1584
Abstract
Introduction: Existing literature presents conflicting evidence regarding risk and protective factors for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with some factors remaining unidentified. This study aimed to investigate the association between SLE and environmental, psychological, socioeconomic, dietary, and electromagnetic exposures.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted, comprising 250 SLE patients and 250 healthy controls. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire covering personal, environmental, socio-economic, psychological, and electromagnetic factors, along with a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Statistical analyses, including independent t-test, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis, were performed using SPSS (version 24).
Results: Individuals with SLE were more likely to reside in rural areas, in houses with yards, on lower floors, and in damp environments (P<0.05). They had higher chemical exposure, lower smoking rates, and more frequent blood transfusions than the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, SLE patients experienced higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, despite engaging in more physical activity (P<0.05). Dietary analysis revealed lower consumption of coffee, green tea, and vitamin E, while higher intake of fried foods (P<0.05). SLE patients also reported greater use of iron and zinc supplements, solid fats, and contraceptives, as well as closer proximity of mobile phones to their heads during sleep (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings suggested that preventive strategies targeting stress management, dietary habits, and minimizing chemical exposure might help mitigate SLE risk.

Keywords

Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic؛ Autoimmune Diseases؛ Risk Factors؛ Environental Exposure؛ Life Style
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 13, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 421-437

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