{
  "abstract": "Introduction Beyond physical impairment, Systemic sclerosis (SSc) can impact a patient’s mental health and social participation. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of SSc on professional, family and couple relations in a north african population.Material and Methods An anonymous questionnaire was shared among members of the tunisian SSc patients Group during August 2025. Questions were divided intro 3 main clusters : professional, familial, and couple relations. For each section, items assessed physical and psychological challenges, perceived support, and expectations for improvement. Responses were rated on numerical scales (0–10), with additional qualitative comments.Results Eighteen patients (13 women; mean age 44.3 years [22–72]; mean disease duration 5.3 years [1–15]) participated.Regarding professional life 16/17 reported that disease-related physical changes impaired their ability to work (mean score 6.37/10). Main reasons included skin sclerosis (n=5) and digital ulcers (n=3). Thirteen of 17 reported a negative impact on professional relationships (mean 5.1/10). Seven patients reported that their employer wasn’( aware of their condition, with low perceived support from supervisors (mean 5.15/10) and colleagues (6.5/10). Desired support included understanding (6), psychological support (3), and work task adaptation (3).Eleven of 18 reported a negative impact on family relationships, mainly due to fatigue (n=15) and pain (n=13). Mean perceived family support was high (8.66/10). Yet, 8 patients reported feeling being a burden (mean 5/10). Desired support included relief from household tasks (4) and psychological support (3).Finally, among 14 respondents with partners, 9 reported a negative impact of SSc on their relationship. Fatigue (n=12), body image issues (n=12), and physical changes (n=6) were key factors. Ten felt they were a burden to their partner (mean 5.85/10). Desired support included help with daily tasks (3), psychological support (2), and improved communication about sexuality .Conclusions While family support seems to be satisfying, professional and couple life are more impacted by the disease in our cohort. This can be due to the cultural perception of family in the North African societies.These findings underline the need for tailored psychosocial and occupational interventions, and for greater awareness among employers, families, and partners to foster understanding and adequate support.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Faculty of medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia"
      ],
      "name": "Houssem Abida"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Scleroderma Fi Tounes, The Tunisian Scleroderma Parients Group, Tunis, Tunisia"
      ],
      "name": "Salem Fekih"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Scleroderma Fi Tounes, The Tunisian Scleroderma Parients Group, Tunis, Tunisia"
      ],
      "name": "Emna Ben Hnia"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Scleroderma Fi Tounes, The Tunisian Scleroderma Parients Group, Tunis, Tunisia"
      ],
      "name": "Lamia Moati"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P.327 Impact of systemic sclerosis on work, family, and couple life: insights from a North African patients group",
  "uid": "cdec460a-c207-5a2a-8923-9680fd327cc4"
}