Psychological Effects of the SRS-22 on Girls With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

Study DesignProspective, randomized control study. ObjectivesTo determine whether the SRS-22r (SRS-22) has a negative effect on the body image of females with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS). SummaryThe SRS-22 is a validated questionnaire designed by the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) to assess outcomes of scoliosis patients. Parents and nursing staff have expressed concern that the questionnaire may incite body image concerns when administered to teenagers with AIS. MethodsFemale AIS patients were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to the study or control group. Patients were being observed, braced, or planning operative intervention. Patients in the study group were administered the SRS-22, followed by the BAS. Patients in the control group were administered only the BAS. The BAS is scored from 13 to 65, with higher scores indicating a more positive body image. Results45 females were enrolled and assigned to study group (n = 24, SRS-22+BAS) or control group (n = 21, BAS only). There were no differences between the groups in age (p = .55) or Cobb angle (p = .21). There were no differences in overall BAS scores between study (mean = 55.9, range 31–65) and control group participants (mean = 54.2, range 42–64, p = .56). SRS-22 questions and BAS scores had multiple correlations. A higher BAS score is associated with the following SRS-22 questions: being a happy person in the last 6 months, feeling calm and peaceful during the past 6 months, and feeling attractive with one’s current back condition. A lower BAS score is associated with the following SRS-22 questions: being down in the dumps, feeling downhearted and blue, and feeling that one’s back condition affects personal relationships. ConclusionSimilar BAS scores were observed between the study and control group. Despite concerns regarding the potential negative impact of the SRS-22, taking the questionnaire was not observed to negatively affect patients’ body image. Level of EvidenceLevel II.