Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations. Over the past 50 years, improvements in medical care, including the use of corticosteroids, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants, have significantly improved survival rates, with over 90% of SLE patients surviving 5 years. However, ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, experience higher mortality and poorer outcomes, which may be linked to socioeconomic factors rather than ethnicity. SLE is more common in women, with incidence rates 10 times higher than in men. The disease is more severe in men and in pediatric and late-onset cases. SLE is more prevalent in non-white populations globally, with higher incidence rates in women after age 40. SLE incidence varies by ethnicity, with higher rates in African and Asian populations compared to white populations. Childhood SLE incidence is lower than in adults. Mortality in SLE has decreased over time, but life expectancy remains lower than in the general population. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and social support significantly influence disease outcomes. Patients with SLE often experience reduced quality of life due to disease activity and damage. Disease activity is often perceived differently by patients and physicians, which can affect treatment decisions. Social support is a protective factor in SLE, and adequate support improves outcomes. Ethnicity and socioeconomic status are important in disease progression, but socioeconomic factors may be more influential. Research is needed to better understand the role of ethnicity and socioeconomic factors in SLE. Future studies should include community-based patients, use self-assessment tools, and focus on self-perceived disease activity and treatment compliance. Improving social support and addressing socioeconomic disparities are crucial for better SLE outcomes.Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations. Over the past 50 years, improvements in medical care, including the use of corticosteroids, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants, have significantly improved survival rates, with over 90% of SLE patients surviving 5 years. However, ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, experience higher mortality and poorer outcomes, which may be linked to socioeconomic factors rather than ethnicity. SLE is more common in women, with incidence rates 10 times higher than in men. The disease is more severe in men and in pediatric and late-onset cases. SLE is more prevalent in non-white populations globally, with higher incidence rates in women after age 40. SLE incidence varies by ethnicity, with higher rates in African and Asian populations compared to white populations. Childhood SLE incidence is lower than in adults. Mortality in SLE has decreased over time, but life expectancy remains lower than in the general population. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and social support significantly influence disease outcomes. Patients with SLE often experience reduced quality of life due to disease activity and damage. Disease activity is often perceived differently by patients and physicians, which can affect treatment decisions. Social support is a protective factor in SLE, and adequate support improves outcomes. Ethnicity and socioeconomic status are important in disease progression, but socioeconomic factors may be more influential. Research is needed to better understand the role of ethnicity and socioeconomic factors in SLE. Future studies should include community-based patients, use self-assessment tools, and focus on self-perceived disease activity and treatment compliance. Improving social support and addressing socioeconomic disparities are crucial for better SLE outcomes.