Changes In Body Image Research Articles

Effects of a cognitive-behavioral intervention targeting weight stigma: A randomized controlled trial.

To test the effects of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for weight bias internalization (WBI; i.e., self-stigma) combined with behavioral weight loss (BWL). Adults with obesity and elevated WBI were randomly assigned to BWL alone or combined with the Weight Bias Internalization and Stigma Program (BWL + BIAS). Participants attended weekly group meetings for 12 weeks, followed by 2 biweekly and 2 monthly meetings (26 weeks total). Changes at Week 12 on the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) and Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) were the principal outcomes, with changes at Week 26 assessed as secondary outcomes. Other outcomes included changes in mood, body image, eating behaviors, self-monitoring, and weight. Seventy-two participants were randomized (84.7% female, 66.7% Black, mean age = 47.1 ± 11.5 years) Linear mixed models showed no significant differences between the BWL + BIAS and BWL groups in WBIS changes at Week 12 (-1.3 ± 0.2 vs. -1.0 ± 0.2) or week 26 (-1.5 ± 0.2 vs. -1.3 ± 0.2). BWL + BIAS participants had greater reductions in WSSQ total scores at Week 12 (p = .03), with greater changes on the self-devaluation subscale at Weeks 12 and 26 (p ≤ .03). BWL + BIAS participants reported significantly greater benefits on measures of eating and self-monitoring. Percent weight loss at Week 26 did not differ significantly between groups (BWL + BIAS = -4.5 ± 1.0%, BWL = -5.9 ± 1.0%, p = .28). A psychological intervention for WBI produced short-term reductions in some aspects of weight self-stigma in persons with obesity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Asian versus Western appearance media influences and changes in body image concerns of young Chinese women: A 12-month prospective study

Appearance-related media from the United States and other Western nations has been implicated in explanations of increased body images concerns among non-Western women. However, researchers have rarely examined the impact of endogenous appearance media versus Western appearance media on body image issues, particularly within longitudinal research designs. Therefore, in this 12-month prospective study, we assessed associations of experiences with appearance media imported from Western nations versus appearance media from China and other Asian nations on body image concerns and cosmetic surgery interest among young Chinese women. Participating women (N = 1836) completed self-report measures tapping specific sources of appearance dissatisfaction (fatness, facial features, stature), cosmetic surgery interest, and appearance media influences at baseline and a 12-month follow-up. The women reported significantly more pressure from and stronger preferences for appearance depictions in Asian than Western media. Elevations in appearance pressure and preferences from Asian media explained more unique variance in specific body image concerns at follow-up than did complementary Western media influences. Contrary to “Westernization” hypotheses, Asian appearance media influences are more salient for young Chinese women and should be prioritized as targets of interventions to reduce body image disturbances in this group.

Effect of the nutritional stabilization program “ESNUT” on body composition, stages of change and self-perception of body image in university students

Background and objective: Adolescents have changes in diet when entering university (leaving out and irregularity in mealtimes, low intake of fruits and vegetables and high intake of junk food and sugary drinks), often body self-perception does not match the actual body composition leading young people to unhealthy practices. Nutritional educational interventions have been successful based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change. To assess the effectiveness of the educational intervention for Nutritional Stabilization “ESNUT” (name in Spanish) in body composition, stages of change, body self-perception and the concordance level with BMI of students newly admitted to a university before and in post-intervention follow-ups.Methods: Quasi-experimental study with control group in students from 17 to 21 years newly admitted to a university who agreed to participate in the study. Independent variable: Educational intervention Nutrition Stabilization Model “ESNUT” and dependent variables: body self-perception, body composition, BMI. Instruments: SECA 274 digital stadiometer, InBody 230 Bioimpedanciometer, body silhouettes test and change assessment scale of the University of Rhode Island (URICA). Analysis. Descriptive statistics, student’s t (comparison of means) and Pearson's r (correlation) with support from the statistical program SPSS version 18.Results: About 50% of the experimental group showed normal nutritional status according to the Real BMI but only 17% according to the fat mass percentage in the third month of follow-up was 50%. A discrepancy was observed with the Perceived BMI, 67% had a self-perception of normal weight. In the experimental precontemplation group, at basal near 50%, it finally reduced 20% and placed in preparation/action.Conclusions: The effectiveness of the “ESNUT” intervention was observed in the experimental group through body composition with a reduction in the percentage of fat mass, therefore Overweight/Obesity. Self-perception of body image in its correlated Perceived Body Mass Index (BMI) versus Real BMI increased their level of concord. The transition from pre-contemplation to contemplation was observed in the stages of change, as well as from this towards preparation/action. The control group made little progress due to relapse to predecessor stages and revealed itself in an increase in the percentage of body fat. Both the experimental and control groups tended to underestimate the perceived BMI versus the actual BMI. Clinical importance: Identifying the stage of change allows feedback in the support of the change and motivates the participants according to the stage in which they are.

Psychological functioning, coping styles and their relationship to appraisal of physical limitations following invasive surgical procedures for soft-tissue sarcoma: A qualitative study.

This study explored psychological functioning and coping styles in adult patients with soft-tissue sarcoma who underwent surgical procedures in a single expert sarcoma medical center in Canada. This is a qualitative study with three formats of data collection. The interview guide was based on theoretical health-related quality of life model. We began the investigation with 2 online and 2 in-person focus groups. Four individual semistructured interviews were added to further explore emerging themes. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic networks approach. Twenty-eight adults (13 female, 24-75 years of age) participated. In the domain of psychological functioning we identified three main themes; changes in mood, worry, and body image concerns. In the domain of coping styles, we identified four adaptive coping styles; positive reframing and optimism, finding a purpose, being proactive, and using humor. Among the maladaptive coping styles, we found passive acceptance, and avoidance and denial. Psychological well-being can be contingent on physical functioning and coping styles in adults with soft-tissue sarcoma. Both psychological and physical function impact quality of life. Patients with more physical limitations, psychological distress and maladaptive coping styles should be monitored for their well-being.

Resiliência no processo do cuidado aos pacientes com feridas tumorais malignas: revisão integrativa

A assistência ao paciente com feridas tumorais consiste em tarefa complexa; a resiliência confere adaptabilidade para o manejo nos diversos contextos. O objetivo foi verificar a resiliência no processo do cuidar aos pacientes com feridas tumorais malignas. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE, COCHRANE, CINAHL e SCOPUS (2003-2019) com a questão norteadora: Como ocorre a resiliência na dinâmica do cuidado a pacientes com feridas tumorais malignas? Identificaram-se dezessete evidências científicas, sendo elaboradas três categorias de discussão: 1) Resiliência do paciente com ferida tumoral maligna; 2) Resiliência do familiar e/ou cuidador informal no processo do cuidar ao paciente com ferida tumoral maligna; 3) Resiliência da equipe multidisciplinar no processo do cuidar ao paciente com ferida tumoral maligna. Conclui-se que o estigma, a mudança da imagem corporal, a imprevisibilidade e descontrole do odor e do exsudato e a constante evidência de possuir uma doença incurável permite a prática de múltiplas estratégias de enfrentamento por parte dos atores envolvidos no cuidado, culminando em uma melhor vivência. Assim, deve-se considerar os aspectos psicossociais na práxis da enfermagem oncológica no cuidado de pacientes com feridas tumorais malignas.

Effects of hospital-family holistic care model on the health outcome of patients with permanent enterostomy based on the theory of 'Timing It Right'.

To explore the effects of hospital-family holistic care model based on 'Timing It Right' on the health outcome of patients with permanent colostomy. Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumour of digestive system, which seriously threatens human life and health. Colostomy is one of the main treatments for colorectal cancer, which effectively improves the 5-year survival rate of patients. However, the postoperative psychological and physiological rehabilitation nursing is still faced with great challenges due to the change of body image and defecation pathway caused by colostomy. A randomised controlled trial was conducted, and 119 patients with permanent enterostomy were randomly divided into two groups, with 60 cases in the intervention group and 59 cases in the control group. The intervention group received routine care follow-up and hospital-family holistic care intervention based on 'Timing It Right', while the control group received routine care and follow-up. The resilience, self-care ability, complications and life quality of patients with permanent enterostomy were compared between two groups before intervention, at discharge, 3months and 6months after discharge. CONSORT checklist was applied as the reporting guideline for this study (see Appendix S1). A total of 108 patients with permanent enterostomy completed the study (90.76%). At 3months and 6months after discharge, the resilience and quality of life in the intervention group were significantly better than those in the control group (t=4.158 vs. 7.406, t=4.933 vs. 8.611, p<.05), while the complications in the intervention group were significantly lower than that in the control group (25.5% vs. 41.51%, 14.45% vs. 30.19%; p<.05). The self-care ability of the intervention group was significantly better than that in the control group (t=1.543 vs. 3.656 vs. 6.273, p<.05) at discharge, 3months and 6months after discharge. The interaction between time and grouping showed that the effect of time factor varied with the grouping. After intervention, there were significant differences in psychological resilience, self-care ability, complications and quality of life between the two groups at different observation points (p<.01). The three evaluation indices of intervention group increased with the migration of observation time points and were significantly better than those of control group, especially the quality of life (84.35±4.25 vs. 60.45±8.42, p<.01). The hospital-family holistic care model based on 'Timing It Right' can effectively improve the psychological resilience, self-care ability and quality of life; reduce complications; and improve the health outcomes of patients with permanent enterostomy. Patients with permanent enterostomy have different needs for nursing care at different stages of the disease, and they are dynamically changing. The hospital-family holistic care model based on 'Timing It Right' can effectively improve the health outcomes of patients with permanent enterostomy, which is worthy of clinical application.

Online interventions to address body image distress in cancer.

Body image is a critical psychosocial issue for patients with cancer, because of the profound effects the disease and its treatment can have on appearance and bodily functioning. Adverse psychological effects of body image changes associated with cancer include debilitating levels of anxiety, social avoidance, depression, problems with intimacy and impaired sexuality, and feelings of shame/inadequacy. The construct of body image is increasingly recognized as complex and multifaceted from an embodied lens, creating more meaningful and efficacious interventions. Although there is some evidence now for in-person interventions, more research is needed in online and in-person interventions, particularly beyond what has been demonstrated in breast cancer. There is also need to address concerns around the practical and psychosocial barriers that can diminish access to, and participation in such individual or group interventions. Internet-based interventions offer opportunity for greater access to tailored psychosocial care. An emerging conceptualization of body image for cancer patients is discussed. Internet-delivered interventions targeting body image are outlined; the majority are pilot trials and those developed for breast cancer patients. Challenges found in online interventions are also discussed. Internet-delivered body image interventions would benefit from a broader conceptualization of body image, greater methodological rigor, and investigations focused on a broader range of cancer populations, beyond patients with breast cancer. Future research is needed to develop, test, and identify who can benefit from online interventions within cancer care.

Strategies for eating and body change among Brazilian women and men.

Our study was conducted to adapt the Body Image and Body Change Inventory (BIBCI) for Portuguese; to evaluate the BIBCI's psychometric properties in samples of university students; to calculate the prevalence of strategies for eating and body change among students; and to evaluate the impact of demographic, social, and anthropometric characteristics on the BIBCI subscales. 798 students (women = 63%) answered the Portuguese translation of the BIBCI and answered a demographic questionnaire. All analyses were performed separately for women and men. The BIBCI's psychometric properties were estimated using confirmatory factor analysis. Mean scores were calculated for each BIBCI subscale. A multivariate regression model was tested to evaluate the impact of demographic, social, and anthropometric characteristics on mean BIBCI subscale scores. The psychometric properties of the BIBCI were adequate in the samples analyzed. The BIBCI subscales scores did not differ according to sex. According to the cut-off points adopted, most of the students were classified in the very low category of the BIBCI subscales. For women, characteristics such as self-reported eating assessment, economic class, physical activity level, and work were significant. For men, only physical activity level was significant. The Portuguese translation of the BIBCI was presented and its psychometric properties were found to be adequate in the samples analyzed. The models identified significant characteristics that can be used in intervention protocols for preventing inappropriate behaviors in relation to body image and eating.

Psychosocial Correlates of Body Image and Lipodystrophy in Women Aging With HIV.

Body image disturbance is increasingly relevant as women living with HIV (WLWH) live longer. We explored body image disturbance and changes in fat distribution (lipodystrophy) in 63 WLWH (mean age = 51 years) and evaluated associations among lipodystrophy, body image, and psychosocial variables. Eighty-one percent of participants reported one or more body parts (of six assessed) demonstrating lipodystrophy, and more than one third reported three or more affected body parts. Increased belt/waist (58%) and increased chest/breast (39%) sizes were most common. More diffuse lipodystrophy was significantly associated with poorer body image (F[2,54] = 11.86, p < .001, partial η = .313) and anxiety (F[2,52] = 3.82, p = .029, partial η = .133) after controlling for age and duration of infection. Lipodystrophy was prevalent in our sample; more diffuse lipodystrophy was associated with anxiety and poor body image. Providers should assess lipodystrophy in older WLWH and provide referrals for mental health services.

Visits to Natural Environments Improve State Body Appreciation: Evidence from Malaysia, Romania, and Spain

Recent studies have reported that nature exposure is associated with more positive body image—a multifaceted construct that includes one's body-related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—but these studies are constrained by a focus on limited national contexts and environment types. To rectify this, we examined the impact of nature exposure on state body image in diverse national contexts and across different environment types. In Study 1, 140 Romanian and 161 Spanish adults who visited botanic gardens were asked to complete a measure of state body appreciation on entry and again upon exit, as well as report their visit duration. Analyses indicated that there was a significant increase in body appreciation scores in both subsamples (ds = 0.52, 0.68), but exit scores were significantly higher in the Spanish compared to the Romanian group (d = 0.26). Visit duration was significantly and weakly associated with greater improvements in state body image change only in the Spanish subsample. In Study 2, the same procedures were repeated with Malaysian adults who visited a green space (n = 351) or blue space (n = 351). Analyses showed a significant increase in body appreciation scores in both subsamples (ds = 0.66, 0.99), with exit scores being significantly higher in the blue- compared to the green-space group (d = 0.40). Visit duration was significantly, albeit weakly, associated with greater improvements in state body appreciation in both subsamples. These results support the prioritization of access to natural environments to promote healthier body image.

La prise en charge kinésithérapique libérale post-mammectomie selon les patientes atteintes d’un cancer du sein

A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies, to describe patient satisfaction and regret associated with risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM), and the patient-reported factors associated with these among women at high risk of developing breast cancer.Studies were identified using Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PsycInfo databases (1995–2016). Data were extracted and crosschecked for accuracy. Article quality was assessed using standardised criteria.Of the 1657 unique articles identified, 30 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 23 quantitative studies, n = 3 qualitative studies, n = 4 mixed-method studies). Studies included were cross-sectional (n = 23) or retrospective (n = 7). General satisfaction with RRM, decision satisfaction and aesthetic satisfaction were generally high, although some women expressed regret around their decision and dissatisfaction with their appearance. Factors associated with both patient satisfaction and regret included: post-operative complications, body image changes, psychological distress and perceived inadequacy of information.While satisfaction with RRM was generally high, some women had regrets and expressed dissatisfaction. Future research is needed to further explore RRM, and to investigate current satisfaction trends given the ongoing improvements to surgical and clinical practice.Offering pre-operative preparation, decisional support and continuous psychological input may help to facilitate satisfaction with this complex procedure.

Depression as a Mental Health Problem in the Patients Suffering from Cancer

About two patients from every ten patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, suffer from depression. This depression is something apart from usual sadness. Patients who have been diagnosed with cancer may encounter various stressful issues. Depression in this patients group can be occurred and needs special attention to be diagnosed and be treated appropriately. Issues like changes in daily life and life plans, changes in self-confidence and body image, being afraid of death and being worried about legal and money issues are some examples about such stressful issues for the cancer patients.

Testing a model of body image in the bariatric surgery patient

PurposeThe purpose was to test a published model of body image in the bariatric surgery patient in the clinical office setting. BackgroundA model was created based on clinical observations during field work and the literature. It focuses on five concepts of body image: body attitude, body checking, appearance orientation, perceived body size, and perceived body space. Testing this model 3 months after surgery is important because morphology changes rapidly influencing early changes in body image, yet there is a paucity of research at this time point. MethodsFor this study of 67 bariatric surgery patients, sequential sampling was used. Body image and anthropometric measures (body mass index and other weight loss indicators) were obtained at baseline and 3-months postoperatively. Established model testing criteria were used. ResultsOver 3 months, mean body mass index was significantly reduced. Mean body image was significantly improved regarding all concepts in the model, except body checking. Body image improvement varied widely when individual responses were examined. ConclusionsThe model was successfully tested. Data on the five concepts in the model provided a body image profile at 3 months indicating individuals' degree of improvement. Areas of non-improvement in the early postoperative phase may signal the need for interventions, like support or psychological counseling, for patients who might be struggling with views of themselves after surgery. Preliminary recommendations are made regarding several of the instruments and their use clinically. Researchers should take into consideration the study's short 3-month time frame when designing future studies.

Depression and Anxiety Moderate the Relationship Between Body Image and Personal Well-being Among Patients With an Implanted Left Ventricular Assist Device.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) support the diseased heart of patients with advanced heart failure and are used as a bridge to heart transplantation or as destination therapy for patients ineligible for heart transplantation. Body image changes, as well as anxiety and depression, are prevalent among patients with an implanted LVAD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a relationship exists between body image and personal well-being among patients with an implanted LVAD and, if it does, whether it is moderated by anxiety and depression. In this cross-sectional correlational study, a convenience sample of 30 adult patients with an implanted LVAD (mean age, 63 ± 10; 90% male) from the outpatient facility of a tertiary medical center completed validated instruments including the Body Image Scale, Cosmetic Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Personal Well-being Index, from October 2017 to February 2018. Results were subjected to multivariate linear regression and bootstrap moderation analyses. Eleven patients (37%) had below-average personal well-being scores, and 14 patients (47%) had below-average body image scores. Seven (23%) had either anxiety or depression, and 11 (37%) had both anxiety and depression. Body image was found to be a significant predictor of personal well-being (t = 2.16, P = .04). When anxiety and depression were present, body image (t = 2.08, P = .049), depression (t = 2.53, P = .018), and the interaction between body image and depression (t = -2.1, P = .047) were significantly associated with personal well-being. Body image significantly predicted personal well-being among patients with an implanted LVAD. Depression alone, or depression combined with anxiety, moderated the relationships between body image and personal well-being. The current results may help to heighten healthcare providers' awareness of body image perception among patients with an implanted LVAD.

Body Image and Sexual Self-confidence in Patients with Chronic Urticaria

Body image and sexual life are often adversely affected in patients with chronic urticaria. The number of studies on this topic is limited. We aimed to determine the body image and sexual self-confidence status in patients with chronic urticaria and the relationship between them. In total, 64 patients with chronic urticaria who visited a dermatology clinic were included in the study. Data were collected by using an introductory information form, Sexual Self-confidence Scale, and Multidimensional Body-Self Relationship Scale. Shapiro–Wilk test was employed to assess normal distribution for descriptive statistics; the data were not found to be normally distributed. Therefore, nonparametric statistical tests were employed. Mann–Whitney U-test was used for binary independent variables; Spearman correlation test was used for correlation analysis. Relational hypotheses were tested by simple linear regression analysis; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the patients, 57.8% reported that their sexual life was affected by chronic urticaria. Individuals whose sexual lives were affected had lower body image and sexual self-confidence scores. There was a moderate positive correlation between body image and sexual self-confidence. The predictive effect of body image on sexual self-confidence was 24.5%. According to these results, changes in the bodies of patients diagnosed with chronic urticaria and the changes in body image negatively affect sexual self-confidence, self-disclosure, sexual awareness, and sexual courage. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative studies should be performed on patients with chronic urticaria by considering body image and sexual self-confidence status, and treatment processes should be followed through a multidisciplinary approach.

Restoring the body: changes in body self in the course of a focusing and arts-based therapy program for female interpersonal trauma survivors

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a therapeutic program for female survivors of interpersonal trauma, among others, of domestic violence. The participating women took part in four two-day modules in a group setting during which they were offered focusing training and arts-based Gestalt therapy. The effectiveness of the interventions was evaluated in terms of improvements in body image and body experience, according to the model of body self as developed by Sakson-Obada.Participants and procedureThe Body-Self Questionnaire, the Affective Body Image test and the Draw-a-Woman test were administered to 21 participants before and after the program.ResultsAfter the therapy, the participants reported a reduction of disturbances in their body experience (interpretation and regulation of emotions and bodily needs and in body identity). In the body image domain, increased body satisfaction was observed using both declarative and projective tools – the women were also more likely to draw uncovered parts of the female body. Although improvements were noted in most of the women, three of them reported an increase in difficulties, mainly in the body image domain.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that: (1) a combination of the two techniques, i.e., focusing training and art included in the Gestalt group therapy program, resulted in satisfactory changes in body image and body experience; (2) the therapy’s effects should be monitored in the context of a woman’s various life situations; and (3) the use of both declarative and non-declarative methods can be recommended to assess the effectiveness of body-centered therapy.

EFFECTS OF BELLY DANCING ON BODY IMAGE AND SELF-ESTEEM IN WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER – PILOT STUDY

ABSTRACT Introduction Breast cancer has innumerable consequences in women’s lives and physical activity can be beneficial during this period. Objectives To analyze the influence of belly dancing on the body image and self-esteem of women during and after breast cancer treatment. Methods Nineteen women diagnosed with breast cancer, divided into a control group (8 women) and a study group (11 women), who were under treatment or post-treatment at the Center for Oncological Research (CEPON), participated in the study. A questionnaire was used for data collection, divided into three blocks as follows: a) general information - sociodemographic and clinical characterization; b) body image - Body Image After Breast Cancer; and c) self-esteem - Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The study group underwent a belly dance intervention consisting of 60-minute classes, twice a week, for a total period of 12 weeks. Women in the control group only maintained their routine activities. Results Significant changes were observed in the improvement of body image in the belly dance group in the pre- and post-intervention periods in the body stigma (p = 0.017) and transparency (p = 0.021) scales. There were no changes in regards to self-esteem. The control group had no changes in either body image or self-esteem. Conclusion The influence of belly dancing on the improvement of women’s body image was observed after 12 weeks of intervention. Thus, it is understood that physical activity may help these women after breast cancer, and should be encouraged by health professionals in this field. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigation of treatment results.

Dynamic Changes Of Body Image And Quality Of Life In Breast Cancer Patients.

PurposeDynamic changes of body image and quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer patients were not commonly investigated. We aimed to compare the dynamic changes in QoL and body image of breast cancer survivors receiving breast-conserving surgery or total mastectomy within 5–10 years after surgery.MethodsPatients with non-metastatic breast cancer who received surgery were invited to complete the World Health Organization Quality of Life–Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and the Body Image Scale (BIS) within 10 years after surgery. We applied kernel smoothing methods to capture the dynamic changes of the patients’ QoL and body image within 5 years after surgery. We also constructed multiple linear regression models to identify predictive factors for QoL and body image.ResultsA total of 581 patients were collected, and 211 of them received breast-conserving surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in QoL and body image for breast-conserving surgery versus total mastectomy, but the former showed fluctuating trends. BIS was a predictor of every item and domain in the WHOQOL-BREF in the multiple linear regression model, and explanatory of the trends of dynamic change over time. Patients without lymph node dissection seemed to have less positive feelings but were more satisfied with sexual activities.ConclusionBody image is predictive of the QoL of breast cancer patients. Dynamic changes of body image and QoL would be useful for shared decision-making regarding surgery in breast cancer patients.

Sexual Changes During Pregnancy in a Middle-Eastern Population

Several studies reported a progressive decrease in sexual activity, interest and enjoyment throughout pregnancy. These changes in sexual life are influenced by changes in body image, alterations in the neurological, vascular, endocrine and other systems, as well as psychological and emotional disturbances that may affect the couple’s sexual relationship. The aim of our study is to understand the effect of pregnancy on sexual activity in a Middle-Eastern population, and to understand, as healthcare providers, the patient’s perception of sexual activity during pregnancy. A modified Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory questionnaire was filled by 60 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic or the pre-admission unit in one public and two private Lebanese hospitals. The results showed decreased levels of sexual activity, sexual desire, frequency of orgasm in women and decreased level of partnered sexual activity of the spouse during pregnancy as compared to prior to pregnancy. Pain during sexual intercourse was unchanged prior to and during pregnancy. Our study highlighted the many concerns pregnant women had about their sexual life during pregnancy. Those concerns should not be ignored by the obstetricians who should discuss sexual health matters during the antenatal visits.

The Spanish Body Image State Scale: Factor Structure, Reliability and Validity in a Colombian Population.

ObjectiveBody image is a construct highly dependent on culture and ethnicity. Furthermore, recent studies reveal that body image is not only a trait, but also a momentary state subject to change in diverse situational contexts. However, cultural influences on momentary body image have not been sufficiently investigated. To assess the influence of Latin American culture on momentary body image and to enable its comparison to Western countries, the Spanish translation of an existing state body image scale such as the Body Image States Scale (BISS) is needed. In addition, the factor structure, reliability and general validity of the Spanish BISS (S-BISS) should be evaluated prior to its application in diverse situational contexts.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study evaluating 1137 individuals between the ages of 18 and 28 years from Barranquilla, Colombia, South America. The original BISS, which assesses body satisfaction, was translated from English to Spanish. Factorial structure, scale score reliability and convergent/divergent validity were assessed.ResultsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed that a one-factor model with correlated items best described the factorial structure present in the BISS questionnaire. The coefficient of scale score reliability was α = 0.92 (McDonalds ω = 0.93), with similar results for men and women. Significant differences between males and females were found with lesser body satisfaction in females (W = 163260, p = 0.016). Lower S-BISS scores indicating less body satisfaction were associated with higher BMI (r = −0.287, p < 0.001) and obtained in participants who were currently on a diet (t1135 = −3.98, p < 0.001). The S-BISS was negatively correlated with a trait body image measurement assessing body dissatisfaction (Body Shape Questionnaire, r = −0.577, p < 0.001) and a psychopathology questionnaire (Brief Symptom Inventory 53, r = −0.331, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe S-BISS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess body image in the Colombian population, and exhibits similar psychometric properties to those of the original version. Future studies should examine whether the S-BISS captures change in state body image when applied in diverse situational contexts.