Appearance-related Symptoms Research Articles

Effects of the appearance care program for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A mixed method study.

Treatment of breast cancer entails surgery, often followed by chemotherapy. Alopecia is a major, intractable side effect with potentially profound impacts on appearance. We developed a nurse-facilitated program targeting appearance-related symptoms. This study explored the effects of the appearance care program on quality of life (QOL). The program was delivered across three sessions, each involving personal reflections on appearance concerns, short lectures on skincare and makeover techniques, and small group discussions. Seventy-two women who attended the appearance care program were invited to participate. We employed a mixed-method design combining quantitative and qualitative methods. QOL instruments were used to measure effects of the program at the first and final sessions and at a one-month follow-up. The qualitative data were collected as open-ended notes regarding participants' perception of the program at the final session and at a one-month follow-up. Fifty-seven women completed all three sessions. Of them, 55 participated in this study. Their mean age was 46.4 years; 39 (70.9%) had partners, and 34 (61.8%) had children. Most participants experienced hair loss at one-month post-program; however, cancer-specific QOL improved after attending the program. Patients' experience of fatigue and weakness may explain observations of decreased physical well-being. Emotional well-being continued to increase 1 month following the program, while social and functional well-being was consistent. Participants felt empowered by the information on skincare and cosmetic techniques and valued the intimate support from the group members facing similar circumstances. This study showed that the appearance care program increased or maintained the well-being of participants. Findings suggest the appearance care program which promoted group sharing experiences empowered participants and may have enhanced their coping strategies.

The Role of Pornography, Physical Symptoms, and Appearance in Labiaplasty Interest

With the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reaffirming its 2007 opposition to labiaplasty in 2019, the procedure continues to be controversial. Particular emphasis on pornography as a major influencer on women seeking labiaplasty contributes to its controversy and distracts from other motivations. Few articles have established pornography's influence relative to functional and appearance-related symptoms. The objective of this study was to investigate the relative influence of pornography on women's decision to seek labiaplasty relative to other factors compared with a control cohort. In this prospective study, 124 consecutive patients consulting about labiaplasty and a control cohort of 50 women were questioned about 11 labia-related symptoms and the possible influence of pornography. The mean age was 34.2 and 38.9 years in the labiaplasty and control cohorts, respectively. Women in the labiaplasty cohort had on average 2.8 of the 6 queried physical symptoms and 3.2 of the 5 queried appearance-related symptoms compared with control patients who reported an average of 0.3 of the 6 queried physical symptoms and 0.2 of the 5 queried appearance-related symptoms (P < 0.001). Less than one-half (47% of the labiaplasty and 42% of the control cohort) never viewed pornography. Pornography was not an influential factor to seek labiaplasty in 42% of the labiaplasty cohort and 54% of the control cohort. A minority (11% in the labiaplasty cohort and 4% in the control cohort) said that pornography influenced them to seek labiaplasty. There were no statistically significant differences between these 2 groups. Pornography influences some women to seek labiaplasty, but relative to other motivating factors its role is minor.

Self-Reported Bothersome Symptoms Across Different Socioepidemiological Groups of People Living With HIV Attending French Hospitals: Results From the ANRS-VESPA2 Survey

ContextTwenty years after the advent of combined antiretroviral therapies (ARTs), there is a growing need for up-to-date information about the daily experience of people living with HIV (PLWH). ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between socioepidemiological groups and the types of bothersome symptoms reported by PLWH participating in a national survey in France. MethodsWe analyzed self-reported bothersome symptoms in a representative sample of PLWH (ANRS-VESPA2 survey), most of whom were receiving ART treatment. PLWH (N = 2505) were grouped into three clusters according to the number of bothersome symptoms reported: Cluster A (low number, n = 1848), Cluster B (moderate number, n = 271), and Cluster C (high number, n = 386). ResultsIndividuals in Cluster A (low number of bothersome symptoms) were less likely to report all the symptom types investigated. Psychological, sexual, and general symptoms were more likely to be reported in Cluster B (moderate number), whereas gastric-, pain-, and appearance-related symptoms were more likely in Cluster C (high number). In multivariate analyses, women not natives of Sub-Saharan Africa and former/active female injecting drug users were more likely to report a medium or high number of symptoms, and lower adherence to ART. ConclusionCombining new biomedical strategies with coping mechanisms and providing better support to socially vulnerable PLWH may improve this population's quality of health and daily life.

Why Women Request Labiaplasty.

In recent years, labiaplasty has jumped in popularity, despite opposition to the procedure. In 2007, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists declared the recommendation of cosmetic vaginal procedures to be "untenable," although in 2016 they allowed consideration of labiaplasty in adolescents if symptoms persist. The reasons for labiaplasty requests are not yet fully understood, and physician opposition limits patient access to surgical relief. In this prospective study, 50 consecutive patients consulting about labiaplasty were given a questionnaire assessing 11 physical and appearance-related symptoms associated with elongated labia. The mean patient age was 33.5 years (range, 17 to 51 years). Fifty-eight percent of women had given birth, 52 percent noticed that their labia had become elongated as they got older, and 93 percent had bilateral elongation. When asked about physical symptoms, over half of patients experienced tugging during intercourse, found tight pants uncomfortable, experienced twisting of the labia, and noted labia visibility in yoga pants. Nearly half experienced pain during intercourse, and 40 percent said their labia could become exposed in bathing suits. Regarding appearance, almost all patients were self-conscious and over half felt less attractive to their partner, experienced restricted clothing choice, and noted a negative impact on self-esteem and intimacy. Nearly all patients experienced at least four symptoms. Most patients requesting labiaplasty experience both physical and appearance-related symptoms. Understanding this patient perspective is crucial in assessing surgical outcomes. Furthermore, the better all physicians understand labia symptomatology, the better supported patients will be in seeking surgical relief.

Gender differences in cancer-related distress in Japan: a retrospective observation study.

BackgroundCancer care is currently the most important medical issue in Japan. Total pain of cancer patients consists of a combination of four factors: physical, psychological, social distress, and spiritual pain. Previous studies showed female cancer patients ask for more psychological support and seem to suffer different types of distress compared with male patients, for example, appearance-related symptoms. However, other factors of cancer distress related to gender have not been defined comprehensively. The aim of this study is to clarify the gender differences in cancer distress types in order to elucidate the measures that should be taken in Japan to improve the quality of whole cancer care based on gender-based medicine.MethodsThe data of new patients who had visited the psycho-oncology outpatient service of Kinki University Hospital during the period of May 2013 to October 2015 were collected. Demographic factors and all assessed items were extracted from the patients’ medical charts retrospectively. Based on an inquiry of cancer patients in 2010, each item representing the four factors of “total pain” of cancer patients was chosen, i.e., physical distress (pain, changes in appearance), psychological distress (anxiety, depression), social distress (family problems, job-related problems), and spiritual pain; together with sexuality issues, and answers were analyzed. Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) was used for the assessment of psychological distress. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were performed for gender differences in the cancer distress types. Pearson’s analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed for the association of gender with each item.ResultsThe data of 101 cancer patients were analyzed and there were more female patients than male patients (female: male ratio = 71:30). Female cancer patients were more likely to suffer from psycho-social issues such as changes in appearance, family problems and sexuality issues than male patients, and male patients were more likely to have spiritual pain.ConclusionsThere were gender differences in the distress types of cancer patients. In order to improve the quality of whole cancer care, more intensive intervention by medical professionals and social support is needed from the viewpoint of gender-based medicine and psycho-oncology.

Clinical Preoperative and Postoperative Symptoms of Exotropia.

To examine clinical preoperative and postoperative symptoms and changes in exotropia according to constancy and age. A survey was conducted of 50 patients on the day before and 1 month after exotropia surgery. Survey results were analyzed by type of exotropia at presentation and age. Changes in subjective symptoms from preoperatively to postoperatively were examined for stereopsis (5 items), asthenopia (5 items), and appearance (5 items). Each item was rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 0 to 4. The mean age of the 50 patients was 10.6 ± 7.75 years, and there were 21 (41.2%) males and 29 (56.9%) females. Thirty-two patients with intermittent exotropia had no significant improvement in the stereopsis or asthenopia symptoms. However, they showed significant (P < .05) improvement in the appearance symptoms of squint and out of focus. Eighteen patients with constant exotropia showed significant improvements in the symptoms of tripping over objects or running into a wall in stereopsis and of squint and out of focus in appearance (P < .05). Postoperatively, all patients had significant improvement in appearance-related symptoms regardless of age (P < .05). Patients with constant exotropia had improved symptoms in stereopsis, asthenopia, and appearance after surgery. Appearance was improved regardless of the type of exotropia or age.

Quantitative assessment of appearance changes and related distress in cancer patients

This study examined both the frequency of appearance-related symptoms and distress resulting from these symptoms in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Self-report questionnaires were distributed to 753 outpatients receiving ≧ 4 weeks of treatment at an outpatient chemotherapy center. Valid responses were returned by 638 patients (response rate, 84.7%). Participants were questioned about 57 appearance-related symptoms (AS) and 23 non-appearance-related physical symptoms (non-AS); psychological well-being was assessed using a shortened version of the Derriford Appearance Scale 59. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 264 male and 374 female patients (mean age, 59.5 years; range, 18-85 years). Most respondents (80.3%) were concerned with changes in appearance resulting from treatment. By sex and disease type, women suffered more than men, and treatment for breast cancer created the greatest distress for women. Cancer patients are concerned about a variety of AS, and these may result in greater distress than non-AS. AS-related information and care are increasingly being sought in advance of treatment.