Acceptance Of Illness Scale Research Articles

Emotional control and illness acceptance in patients with multiple sclerosis – preliminary findings

Aim of the study: Mental disorders occur in about 75% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Examination of the mental state of patients with multiple sclerosis is important for assessing the course of the disease and undertaking appropriate therapeutic interventions. The aim of the study was to assess emotional control and disease acceptance in multiple sclerosis. Methods: 66 people were qualified for the study, including 34 patients with multiple sclerosis and 32 age- and sex-matched controls. Emotional control was assessed using the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS), and disease acceptance was evaluated using The Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). Additionally, a proprietary questionnaire was used to assess auto and allopsychic orientation and to collect demographic data. Results: Stronger suppression of depression and a lower level of disease acceptance were found in the group of patients with multiple sclerosis compared to patients suffering from neurological diseases without organic brain damage. Additionally, patients with multiple sclerosis with higher education achieved results suggesting a higher level of suppression of emotions and suppression of depression than education-matched controls. Patients with multiple sclerosis with secondary and higher education scored significantly higher, which means worse illness acceptance, than those with primary education. Conclusions: Due to the association of emotional suppression with the development of chronic diseases and the level of disease acceptance with adaptation to a chronic health condition, it is recommended to periodically assess these correlates as part of standard psychological examination in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Sociodemographic factors affecting the disease acceptance in the group of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Assessment of the disease acceptance level in women with osteoporosis depending on selected sociodemographic factors. The study included a group of 198 women, aged M±SD 72.3±8.59 years, diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis and treated in 2 Osteoporosis Treatment Centres in Łódź. A questionnaire survey and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) were applied in the study. Based on the questionnaire, the authors collected sociodemographic data (including age, marital status, place of residence, financial status) which the authors subsequently analyzed using a statistical program. The respondents living in the countryside, with primary education and a very difficult financial situation manifested a low disease acceptance level. The authors have shown that postmenopausal osteoporosis acceptance level significantly depends on the age (p = 0.0024), place of residence (p = 0.0044), education (p < 0.001) and affluence (p = 0.0049), however, it is not related to duration of the disease. Postmenopausal osteoporosis acceptance level depended on age, place of residence, education and affluence level, however, it was not related to the disease duration. Psychological aspects, including assessment according to the disease acceptance scale, constitute a factor influencing mental health, therefore they should be included in evaluation of therapy effectiveness in patients chronically treated for osteoporosis. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(3):273-83.

Normalization of the AIS (Acceptance of Illness Scale) questionnaire and the possibility of its use among cancer patients.

Cancer triggers many negative emotions in patients which affect the quality of life and low acceptance of the illness. The level of acceptance of illness is related to the level of pain and the degree of compliance with medical recommendations. The aim of the study is evaluation of the use of the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) among people with cancer. The study involved 1,187 patients (666 women aged 21-96 (M=58.17; SD=12.88) and 521 men aged 22-96 (M=67.12; SD=13.75) diagnosed with malignant cancer under outpatient care of the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center in Warsaw. An acceptance of illness questionnaire developed by B. J. Felton, T. A. Revensson and G. A. Hinrichsen was used. Socio-economic (education, place of residence, income, professional status) and medical (occurrence of metastases, type of treatment used) factors affect the level of acceptance of illness by patients. Stent standards were developed to determine the level of acceptance of illness in the low-average-high categories. The Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) should be used in the case of cancer patients. Assessment of the patient's acceptance of illness, as well as the factors affecting acceptance, will allow for the planning of appropriate treatment and psychotherapeutic support for specific patients, whose level of acceptance of illnes is the lowest.

Acceptance of illness, quality of life and nutritional status of patients after lower limb amputation due to diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases with a high number of sufferers worldwide. Diabetic neuropathy and diabetic angiopathy lead to serious infectious complications which are very difficult to combat and may finally lead to the amputation of a lower limb. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life, the level of acceptance of the illness and the nutritional status of patients after lower limb amputation due to diabetes. Ninety-nine patients (23 men and 76 women) were enrolled into the study. They had all undergone lower limb amputation due to diabetic foot and were treated in the Department of General and Oncological Surgery. The following questionnaires were used: the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the anonymous specific socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire. The diabetes-related amputees were revealed to have a higher QoL within the social domain (mean score 64.48), an intermediate QoL - within the environmental domain (mean score 63.04) and the mental domain (mean score 59.61), and a lower QoL - within physical (somatic) domain (mean score 54.69). There was no statistical correlation between genders or between all the domains of QoL (P > 0.05). The mean MNA score was 22.66, which means that patients were at risk of malnutrition. There were statistical differences between women and men as regards nutritional status (P=0.034). The mean AIS score was 27.65 (27.09 women and 29.48 men), which means that the respondents accept their disease. There was no statistical correlation between gender and the acceptance of the disease (P=0.288). There was not statistical correlation between age and QoL (P > 0.05). There were statistical differences between age and nutritional status (P < 0.05), and between age and acceptance of the illness (P=0.044). The better the quality of life was in all the domains, the better the level of acceptance of illness was. The less malnourished the patient was, the better their quality of life was in all the domains.

Development, Validation, and Internal Consistency of the Positive Psychology-Based Acceptance of Illness Scale (PAIS): A Culturally-Appropriate Japanese Measure

Acceptance of illness has been shown to improve the well-being of individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. We developed a new acceptance of illness scale, “Positive Psychology-Based Acceptance of Illness Scale: PAIS,” for HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM) patients, one of the intractable neurological diseases with a chronic course. The validity and internal consistency of this PAIS were examined in 260 HAM patients in Japan. Exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors with 21 items: “Loving myself as I am”; “Experiencing the grace of illness”; “Feeling a loving connection with others”; and “Developing as a mature person”. Cronbach’s α was .83 to .88, except for Factor 4 which was slightly low at 0.64, and internal consistency was confirmed. A significant correlation was found between the PAIS and the index of convergent validity. The study’s findings are an important step toward a more comprehensive concept of acceptance of illness.

The impact of socio-demographic and clinical factors on the quality of life and disease acceptance in patients with Crohn's disease.

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by periodsof remission and exacerbations of varying severity. The symptoms include: abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, lossof appetite, weight loss, weakness, and changes in body temperature. Treatment is based on a combination of nutritional treatment and pharmacotherapy. Sometimes surgery can be necessary. The quality of life and disease acceptance are essential elements of the functioning of people with CD. &lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The aim of the study is to analyze the factors affecting the quality of life and the level of disease acceptance in patients suffering from Crohn's disease &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt; Material and methods:&lt;/b&gt; The study was conducted in a group of 46 patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The study was carried out using the proprietary questionnaire, AIS, and WHOQOL-BREF. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The study group was dominated by young people. The average age of respondents was 34.28. The quality of life and the level of CD patients' disease acceptance were at an average level. The average score obtained by respondents in the Acceptanceof Illness Scale (AIS) was 28.37. The study revealed a significant impact of disease acceptance level on the respondents' assessment of quality of life.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt; Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; Patients' quality of life and level of disease acceptance are influenced by demographic factors and the clinical course of disease. Older patients after several surgeries for CD should receive more intensive psychological care. Health educationof patients with CD regarding disease, self-care, and skillful support are key in increasing the assessment of quality of life and the level of disease acceptance. Further research is required in a larger group of patients with CD subject to surgical treatment.

Long-term outcome in patients with myasthenia gravis: one decade longitudinal study.

Even treated, myasthenia gravis (MG) continues to represent a significant burden and might continuously affect patients' quality of life (QoL). The aim of our longitudinal study was to analyze QoL in a large cohort of MG patients after a 10-year follow-up period. This study comprised 78 MG patients (60% females, 50 ± 16years old at baseline, 70% AchR positive) who were retested after 10 years. Disease severity was evaluated by MGFA classification. QoL was assessed using SF-36 questionnaire and Myasthenia Gravis-specific Questionnaire (MGQ). Hamilton rating scales for depression and anxiety (HDRS and HARS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) were also used. Similar percentage of patients was in remission at both time points (42% and 45%). However, at baseline all patients were treated, while 32% were treatment-free at follow-up. SF-36, MGQ, MSPSS and AIS scores were similar at baseline and retest. Mean HDRS and HARS scores worsened during time (p < 0.05), although percentage of patients with depression and anxiety did not change significantly. Significant predictors of worse SF-36 score at retest were depression (β = -0.45, p < 0.01), poor disease acceptance (β = -0.44, p < 0.01) and older age (β = -0.30, p < 0.01). Significant predictors of worse MGQ score at retest were poor disease acceptance (β = -0.40, p < 0.01), retirement (β = -0.36, p < 0.01), lower education (β = 0.25, p < 0.01), and depression (β = -0.18, p < 0.05). Although after 10 years, a significant number of MG patients were in remission, their QoL was still reduced. Neurologists should be aware that patients' perception of poor QoL may persist even if MG is well treated from a physician's perspective.

The influence of support and medical data on the level of illness acceptance, the way of coping with a stressful situation, and mental adjustment to the disease among cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of cancer patients. This survey-based study involved 145 oncological patients and was conducted from July to November 2018. It was performed using an author's questionnaire and three standardized tools: the mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, the Acceptance of Illness Scale, and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. The acceptance of illness was at a medium level. Patients who had been ill for longer time periods coped with stress better (p < 0.071) and showed better mental adjustment (p < 0.05 for Positive Redefinition, and p < 0.08 for Fighting Spirit). Patients with benign tumors focused on emotions (p < 0.001) and avoidance (p < 0.005) and were preoccupied with anxiety (p < 0.05). Longer treatment time was associated with a higher ability to cope with stress (p < 0.05). Patients receiving support were characterized by Anxious Preoccupation attitude (p < 0.1), and those who had not got it by Fighting Spirit (p < 01). Cancer patients have problems coping with new circumstances. They need support and help to understand and accept their situation.

Association between Accepting the Illness and Effective Insulin Administration in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose: Patients with type 2 diabetes will be easier to adapt to treatment if they accept their illness. To investigate the association between individual, disease-related and care-related properties of the individuals and their accepting the disease, and effective insulin administration. Material and Methods: 103 diabetic patients were included in the study. The Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-Testing Questionnaire (D-FISQ) were used for the data collection. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics. Results: The Cronbach alpha was 0.96 for AIS, 0.95 for fear of self-injecting (FSI), 0.80 for fear of self-testing (FST) and 0.85 for total D-FISQ. A negative association was determined between the AIS score, and FSI, FST, total D-FISQ; a positive association was found between the FSI score and FST, total D-FISQ scores and between FST and the total D-FISQ scores. The FSI score was found to be higher among females. Conclusion: Accepting the disease affects an effective insulin administration behavior. Hence, nursing care and education of the individuals should be planned and implemented so as to improve the acceptance level of diabetes.

Analysis of the Impact of Disease Acceptance, Demographic, and Clinical Variables on Adherence to Treatment Recommendations in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

This project aimed to analyze the impact of disease acceptance and selected demographic and clinical factors on the adherence to treatment recommendations in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The observational study was performed using standardized research questionnaires: the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Self-Care of Diabetes Inventory (SCODI), and the Adherence in Chronic Diseases Scale (ACDS). Two hundred patients with T2DM were studied (age M = 70.21 years, SD = 6.63 years). The median degree of disease acceptance was 29 (min–max = 8–40) and the median level of adherence was 24 (min–max = 13–28). Disease acceptance was a significant (p = 0.002) independent predictor of the odds of qualifying for non-adherence OR = 0.903, 95% CI = 0.846–0.963. The respondents gave the lowest scores for glycemic control (Mdn = 38.99, min–max = 8.33–150), and health control (Mdn = 55.88, min–max = 11.76–100). A one-way ANOVA showed that the non-adhering patients were significantly older compared to the adherence group and were taking significantly more diabetes pills per day. The level of disease acceptance was average, but it turned out to be an independent predictor of adherence. Therefore, it is justified to use psychological and behavioral interventions that are aimed at increasing the level of diabetes acceptance in elderly people with T2DM. It is important to have a holistic approach to the patient and to take actions that consider the patient’s deficits in the entire biopsychosocial sphere. The obtained result confirmed the legitimacy of interventions aimed at increasing the level of disease acceptance in this group of patients.

Improving Clinical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Dysfunctions in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Neurofeedback Randomized Control Trial.

Objectives The aim of this study was to use neurofeedback (NF) training as the add-on therapy in patients with schizophrenia to improve their clinical, cognitive, and psychosocial condition. The study, thanks to the monitoring of various conditions, quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), was supposed to give an insight into mechanisms underlying NF training results. Methods Forty-four male patients with schizophrenia, currently in a stable, incomplete remission, were recruited into two, 3-month rehabilitation programs, with standard rehabilitation as a control group (R) or with add-on NF training (NF). Pre- and posttherapy primary outcomes were compared: clinical (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)), cognitive (Color Trails Test (CTT), d2 test), psychosocial functioning (General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS), and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS)), quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG), auditory event-related potentials (ERPs), and serum level of BDNF. Results. Both groups R and NF improved significantly in clinical ratings (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)). In-between analyses unveiled some advantages of add-on NF therapy over standard rehabilitation. GSES scores improved significantly, giving the NF group of patients greater ability to cope with stressful or difficult social demands. Also, the serum-level BDNF increased significantly more in the NF group. Post hoc analyses indicated the possibility of creating a separate PANSS subsyndrome, specifically related to cognitive, psychosocial, and BDNF effects of NF therapy. Conclusions Neurofeedback can be effectively used as the add-on therapy in schizophrenia rehabilitation programs. The method requires further research regarding its clinical specificity and understanding mechanisms of action.

Disease acceptance and social support in patients with peripheral vascular diseases treated in the surgical ward

AimThe purpose of this study is a comparative analysis of the degree of disease acceptance and social support in patients with peripheral vascular diseases and other medical conditions treated in surgery ward.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study compares disease acceptance and social support in a group of 212 patients with peripheral vascular diseases and other conditions treated in surgery ward. A standardized Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and Social Support Scale were used to collect the research data.ResultsOverall, on the AIS, 14% of patients with surgical diseases and 34% of patients with vascular diseases had a low disease acceptance rate. A high level of support was demonstrated in 41% of study participants with surgically treated diseases and in 17% of participants with vascular diseases.

Illness Acceptance as the Measure of the Quality of Life in Moderate Psoriasis.

IntroductionPsoriasis is a chronic disease with intermittent flares and remissions. Each individual perceives the disease, its somatic effects, resultant dysfunction and related problems differently. This attitude is primarily determined by one’s characterological traits and type of illness. A primary response to the diagnosis can be denial, underestimation, acceptance or overestimation of the disease. The aim of the study was to analyze the level of illness acceptance and its effect on the quality of life in moderate psoriasis depending on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients.Materials and MethodsThe study included 186 patients with plaque psoriasis with Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores ≤10. The inclusion criteria of the study were duration of psoriasis >2 years, age ≥18 years, and lack of other somatic or mental disorders during three months preceding the study. The study participants completed the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) as well as an original survey containing questions about their sociodemographic characteristics and information about their disease.ResultsMean AIS score for the study group was 24.3 pts. Patients older than 40 years presented with lower levels of illness acceptance than younger persons (p = 0.0311). Also, patients’ sex and duration of psoriasis significantly affected the acceptance of the illness, with lower AIS scores found in women (p = 0.0092) and persons with a longer history of the disease (p = 0.0362). Mean DLQI score for the study group was 13.3 pts. A lower level of illness acceptance turned out to exert an unfavorable effect on the quality of life (QOL) in psoriasis (p = 0.0015; R = −0.33).ConclusionIn this study, patients with psoriasis presented with a moderate level of the illness acceptance, and a significant correlation was found between this parameter and QOL.

The impact of the acceptance of illness on the quality of life of patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia. AF and the complications associated with it interfere with the physical, mental and social well-being of a person, thus affecting the quality of life. An important factor affecting the quality of life of patients with AF is the acceptance of illness (AI). In spite of the large problem related to this subject, the analysis of the relation between the acceptance of illness and the quality of life of patients with AF is insufficient. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the acceptance of illness on the quality of life of patients with AF. Material and methods. 84 patients (including 51 men) aged 57.86 ± 17.72 years hospitalized in the cardiology department due to heart rhythm disorders. Standardized tools were used in the study: Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) to assess the acceptance of illness and Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire In Tachycardia and Arrhythmia (ASTA) to assess quality of life. Results. The majority of patients were secondary educated (64.27%), lived in a city (78.58%), were inactive (57.15%), were hospitalized 3-5 times (42.85%), had a cardiostimulator (23.80%) or underwent ablation (22.62%) during the last year. The average result of the acceptance of illness was 27.67 ± 7.70. 48.8% of patients had a high level of the acceptance of illness, 38.09% average, and 13.11% did not accept their illness. The mean result of quality of life for the whole studied group was (ASTA III) 25.64 ± 8.64. As regards the severity of symptoms (ASTA II) the mean result was 17.15 ± 5.89. Correlation analysis showed that the higher the level of the acceptance of illness the higher the quality of life (r = 0.640; p = 0.002) and lower the severity of AF symptoms (r=-0.51, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions. Patients with AF present a moderate level of disease acceptance and quality of life. The acceptance of illnessis the independent predictor and significantly increases quality of life of patients with AF.

What affects the acceptance of illness in patients with atrial fibrillation?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have symptoms that require advanced treatment. The most common include palpitations, dyspnea, dizziness, tiredness, chest pain and anxiety. Both the symptoms and treatment and its complications adversely affect the perception of the disease among patients with AF. The research proves that acceptance of illness (AIS) is a factor positively influencing the quality of life, but also the adaptation to the therapeutic recommendations of patients with chronic diseases. There is little research on factors increasing the level of AIS among patients with AF. The aim of the study is to determine the level of acceptance of illness in patients with AF and factors influencing the level of acceptance of illness. Material and methods. 84 patients (including 51 men) aged 57.86 ± 17.72 years hospitalized in the cardiology department due to heart rhythm disorders. Standardized tools were used in the study: Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) to assess disease acceptance and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess physical activity. Sociodemographic and clinical data were taken from the hospital register. Results. In the study group the average result of acceptance of illness (AIS) was 27.67 ± 7.70. 48.8% of patients had a high degree of disease acceptance, 38.09% average, and 13.11% had no acceptance. The examined patients showed a lack of physical activity (IPAQ = 0.92 ± 0.40). In comparative analyses women had lower level of AIS than men (27.36 ± 7.37 vs. 27.86 ± 7.97; p = 0.01), patients more often hospitalized due to AF lower than patients less frequently hospitalized (26.30 ± 6.11 vs. 30.55 ± 8.55; p = 0.02). Lower level of AIS was observed in patients with comorbidities (34 ± 6.25 vs. 22 ± 6.66; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Smokers had higher level of AIS than non-smokers (28.66 ± 6.65 vs. 27.00 ± 7.56; p = 0.02), similarly, physically active persons than inactive ones (26.48 ± 8.27 vs. 23.07 ± 10.58; p = 0.01). In correlation analysis, physical activity turned out to be an important determinant having a positive effect on the level of AIS (r = 0.220; p = 0.03). Conclusions. Patients with AF have moderate level of acceptance of illness and low level of physical activity. A higher level of AIS is observed in men, without comorbidities, less frequently hospitalized and smokers. The important determinant having positive influence on AIS is physical activity.

Worry and the level of depression among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The mediating role of illness acceptance

Objectives: The purpose of conducted study was to understand the role of cognitive processes like habitual worry in relation to depressive mood among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and the significance of illness acceptance in the form of personal resource and mediator in relation between worry and depression. Methods: The study involved 229 participants with diagnosed T1DM, who completed a set of self-description questionnaires. Assessment methods included The Anxious Thoughts Inventory (AnTI), The Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: The results show that worry is positively correlated with depression. What is more, relationship between habitual worry and depression was mediated through acceptance of illness. Conclusions: Impact of habitual worry on mental health in T1DM cannot be omitted. Moreover, the observed dependence suggests that depressive mood occurring among people with T1DM may persist because overly worried patients do not accept their own illness. Strengthening patients’ acceptance of illness and raising the topic of worry during diabetes education, can be a valuable direction in preventing depression. Further research is advisable.

Readiness for Discharge from Hospital after Myocardial Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common cause of cardiovascular deaths. Education of patients with myocardial infarctions essential to prevent further cardiovascular events and reduce the risk of mortality. The study aimed to evaluate the associations between patients’ readiness for hospital discharge after myocardial infarction, acceptance of illness, social, demographic, and clinical factors. The study used a cross-sectional design and included 102 patients, who were hospitalized for myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Two questionnaires were used: The Readiness for Hospital Discharge After Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD-MIS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). Low readiness characterized nearly half of patients (47.06%), 27.45% of patients showed an intermediate level of readiness, while 25.49% of patients had high readiness. Readiness for hospital discharge was higher among younger patients, respondents living in relationships, living with a family, with tertiary or secondary education, and professionally active. Acceptance of illness was higher among male patients, respondents living in relationships, and family, with secondary education and professionally active. The AIS score positively correlated with readiness for hospital discharge.

Type D personality and acceptance of illness in people with inflammatory bowel diseases. Mediating role of self-esteem.

Type D personality is analyzed more and more frequently in the context of various chronic illnesses, including bowel diseases. Acceptance of illness is affected by many factors that facilitate adaptation to the difficulties and limitations and support the healing process. One of those factors may be self-esteem. One hundred fifty-nine individuals, aged 18 to 65, participated in the study. 67% (n = 107) stated that they have ulcerative colitis (UC), and the remaining 33% (n = 52) reported suffering from Crohn's disease (CD). The following measurement tools were used: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and Personality Type D Scale (D14). The conducted analyses revealed significant correlations between all studied elements. Self-esteem was proven to be a full mediator in relations between one of the dimensions of type D personality, negative affectivity, as well as between both dimensions of type D personality (negative affectivity and social inhibition) and acceptance of illness in individuals with bowel diseases. However, mediation analysis did not confirm that self-esteem is a mediator between social inhibition and acceptance of illness. The results show that self-esteem is, for an individual, an essential resource in coping with an illness and adjusting to it. Therefore, providing patient support in the scope of reinforcing self-esteem may prove to be one of the key elements affecting illness acceptance.

Arabic Translation and Validation of the Acceptance of Illness Scale and Person-Centered Dermatology Self-care Index.

To translate the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and Person-Centered Dermatology Self-care Index (PeDeSI) from English to Arabic and validate their use among Arabic-speaking patients with psoriasis. Forward-backward translation was used to translate AIS and PeDeSI from English to Arabic language. Validation of the developed Arabic versions was performed using a cross-sectional study design. Arabic-speaking psoriatic patients were asked to complete the Arabic AIS and PeDeSI tools. Patients were also asked to complete the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), which was used as a reference to study external validity. The correlation between questionnaires was tested using Spearman rank correlation test. Factor analysis was used to study the dimensionality of the various tools. Cronbach α coefficient was used to evaluate internal consistency of Arabic versions of AIS and PeDeSI. Floor or ceiling effects were detected if more than 15% of patients achieved the lowest or the highest possible scores, respectively. A total of 116 Arabic patients with psoriasis submitted the questionnaires. Both translated questionnaires were unidimensional. The internal consistencies of the AIS and PeDeSI were excellent (α coefficient = .90) and good (α coefficient = .87), respectively. There was a significant negative moderate correlation between the AIS and DLQI (ρ = -0.44), whereas the PeDeSI and DLQI were significantly weakly correlated (ρ = -0.23). No floor or ceiling effects were detected. The results suggest that the Arabic versions of the AIS and PeDeSI questionnaires fulfilled the criteria for validation and may be used in research and routine clinical practice with Arabic speakers.

Quality of Life in Women Subjected to Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer Depending on the Procedure Performed within the Breast and Axillary Fossa-A Single-Center, One Year Prospective Analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients undergoing surgical treatment of breast cancer depending on the type of procedure involving the breast (mastectomy vs. breast conserving treatment) and axillary fossa (sentinel lymph node biopsy vs. axillary lymph node dissection). The prospective study was carried out in a group of 338 females undergoing breast cancer treatment. Study variables were assessed by means of a diagnostic survey using standardized QLQ C30 and BR23 questionnaires as well as the Acceptance of Illness Scale and Mini-MAC scales. The quality of life was assessed at threetime points: on the day before the surgical procedure (I assessment) as well as three and 12 months after surgery (II and III assessment). Statistically significant differences between study groups were observed in the overall quality of life subscale (I, II, III—p < 0.0001), physical functioning (I—p < 0.0001; II—p = 0.0413; III—p < 0.0001), role functioning (I—p = 0.0002; III—p < 0.0001), emotional functioning (III—p = 0.0082), cognitive functioning (I—p = 0.0112; III—p < 0.0001), social functioning (III—p < 0.0001), body image (I, II, III—p < 0.0001), and sexual functioning (I—p = 0.0233; III—p = 0.0011). In most symptomatic scales, significant (p < 0.05) differences were also noted. Mastectomy and limfadenectomy patients were significantly (p < 0.0001) more prone to present with destructive coping strategies one year after surgery. Breast conserving therapy is associated with better quality of life outcomes as compared to mastectomy. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is associated with a lower intensity of adverse changes in multiple dimensions of patients’ functioning.