Review paper
Determinants of quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis

Evaluation of quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis concerns three aspects of life: psychological, physical, and social, as well as correlations among them. The most frequently observed psychological problems in patients with systemic sclerosis are: depression, high level of anxiety, distress, lower self-esteem, high social sensitivity and hostility. Systemic sclerosis leads to low subjective evaluation of general health condition. The impact of illness on physical functioning concerns impaired daily activities, especially hand mobility. Studies that concern social functioning pay attention to factors present in the workplace which can exacerbate the course of the disease. Of essential importance for quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis is the structure of the social network and satisfaction with it. Evaluation of quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis plays an essential role in multidimensional rehabilitation of patients.