Lower Body Image Research Articles

Dissatisfaction about Body Image During Social Networking among University Students

Background:Body image dissatisfaction (BD) is a global problem, particularly among women, leading to health problems such as eating disorders and depression. One of the causes of body image dissatisfaction is exposure to thin ideals media. The emergence of the Internet and social networking sites (SNS) has since indirectly become the source of body image dissatisfaction precipitation, facilitated by social/appearance comparison. Aim: This study explores the association of social networking site (SNS) use and body image dissatisfaction among university students. The association of BMI and gender with body image dissatisfaction among them were also investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the Faculty of Health Sciences students, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, using quota sampling with the sample size, n=311. Questionnaires containing sections on demographic background, Social Networking Time use Scale (SONTUS) and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) to measure the duration of SNS use and body image dissatisfaction, respectively, were distributed and among them, 309 were returned completely. Data were analysed using IBM-SPSS Statistic (Version 25). Results: Most of the participants, 144 (47%), were the average SNS users, while only 13 (4%) were extremely high users. There was an association between the duration of SNS use and body image dissatisfaction (p<0.05). Low users of SNS seemed to exhibit lower body image dissatisfaction than average to extremely high SNS users. Females exhibited higher body image dissatisfaction than males (p<0.05), consistent with previous findings. There was a significant association between BMI and body image dissatisfaction (p<0.05). Higher body image dissatisfaction was found among participants with normal BMI. Conclusion: In conclusion, the duration of SNS is average among university students. The longer use of SNS, particularly in photo base activities, was associated with body image dissatisfaction.

Body Image, Self-perception, and Satisfaction Among Girls With Turner Syndrome: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study.

Delayed puberty and short stature in girls with Turner syndrome (TS) can lead to low body image, self-esteem, and satisfaction. We aimed to evaluate body image, self-perception, and satisfaction among girls with TS using the Multi-Dimensional Body Image Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scale (MBSRQ-AS). Patients with karyotype-proven diagnosis of TS between 15 and 21 years were included after they achieved final adult height. We used the MBSRQ-AS instrument with 5 subscales: Appearance Evaluation (AE), Appearance Orientation (AO), Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS), Overweight Preoccupation (OWP), and Self Classified Weight (SCW) subscales. Mean scores were compared with the available sex-matched population norms and compared between different subcohorts. Of 59 eligible girls, 37 girls agreed to participate with mean age 17.35 ± 1.6 years. Girls with TS had significantly lower scores than the sex-matched population norms in AO (mean [SD]: 3.32 [0.42] vs 3.91 [0.6]); P < .001) and SCW (mean [SD]: 3.26 [0.71] vs 3.57 [0.73]; P = .01) subscales. In contrast, they had slightly higher scores in BASS (mean [SD]: 3.38 [0.74] vs 3.23 [0.74]; P = .23) and OWP (mean [SD]: 3.12 [0.39] vs 3.03 [0.96]; P = .21) subscales though not statistically significant. Girls with classic 45X karyotype and those who were overweight/obese had lower scores in AE and AO subscales than the normal population (P < .05). Compared with sex-matched population norms, girls with TS are not reporting negative effects due to their appearance and report general satisfaction with most areas of their body; however, girls with TS with classic karyotype or who were obese/overweight were generally unhappy with their physical appearance. They also seem to not focus their attention on their appearance.

Knowledge of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Its Complications, and Management among Lebanese Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract Introduction Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multi-spectrum disease where a failure to address it correctly can result in various clinical complications. This study aimed to assess the Lebanese women's knowledge and perceptions of PCOS and its management. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included women whose ages ranged between 18 and 45 years. Women's demographic characteristics, reproductive health, knowledge, and perception of PCOS were analyzed through an online validated questionnaire. Results Among the 450 included women, 196 (43.6%) had good knowledge about PCOS. The majority of participants were aware that menstrual irregularity is a symptom of PCOS, 327 (72.7%), while only 231 (51.3%) women knew that PCOS may lead to infertility. Almost two-thirds of women were aware of the contribution of metformin, diet, and exercise in refining the progress of the disease. More than 60% of participants believed that PCOS patients need social support and have a low body image. Married women (p &lt; 0.001) and those with undergraduate/ postgraduate degrees (p &lt; 0.001) had better PCOS knowledge. Conclusion A significant percentage of Lebanese women have inadequate knowledge of PCOS and its complications.

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Clitoral Reconstruction: A Case Study

Clitoral reconstruction after female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is associated with significant post-operative pain and months-long recovery. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (A-PRP) reduces the time of healing and pain in orthopedic and burn patients and could also do so in clitoral reconstruction. In the present case, a 35-year-old Guinean woman who had undergone FGM/C Type IIb presented to our clinic for clitoral reconstruction. Her request was motivated by low sexual satisfaction and body image. We surgically reconstructed the clitoris using the Foldès method and applied plasma and glue of A-PRP. The patient was highly satisfied with the procedure. Two months post-operatively, her pain had ceased entirely and re-epithelialization was complete. We conclude that A-PRP may improve pain and healing after clitoral reconstruction. Extensive studies investigating long-term outcomes are needed.

Role of fashion as a form of therapy among women with disabilities in South African

Purpose: Previous studies have highlighted the important role, fashion can play on one’s cognition and behaviour and how one’s body is impacted, especially people with disabilities. Due to the inconclusive results on the topic, we decided to undertake an empirical study in South Africa to determine how fashion can be used to help women with disabilities to deal with issues of body image, low esteem and negative mindset. Literature review: The study reviewed the literature on body image and disability, body image and fashion as well as on fashion therapy and body image. Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative research design while interviews were used as means of primary data collection. Data analysis was done by means of coding the participants’ responses before conclusions were drawn about the participants’ views. Findings: Findings reveal that fashion can help women with disabilities to deal with the issues related to low self-esteem and body image. Implications: The study ends with recommendations to include other segments of the disabled community in the study, as well as to expand the study in the other parts of the country. The study adds a tremendous knowledge of how to better treat people with disability.

Association of body image with physical activity, sleep, meal and smoking in obese male

Background and Study Aim. Body image is a multidimensional construct that involves mental representations of the body, feelings, cognitions, and behaviors. The objective was to compare body image among different categories of obesity, investigate the relationship between obesity and body image, and examine the association of physical activity, meal habits, sleep, and smoking with body image.&#x0D; Material and Methods. Fifty-five undergraduate students Mean age 19.7±0.90 were divide into three obese categories: Obese Class I (30 &lt; 35 kg/m2), Obese Class II (35 &lt; 40 kg/m2) and Obese Class III (≥40.00 kg/m2). Body Image measured through (MBSRQ-AS).&#x0D; Results. ANOVA revealed no significant difference among BMI categories on body image global score F (2,52) = 0.074, p = 0.928. Pearson product-moment correlation could not establish significant relationship between body image and BMI (r= -0.00, n=55, p= 0.998). We found a strong association of smoking with body image X(1) = 6.909, p=0.009. However, the statistical analysis of data could not establish any significant association of PA X(1) = 0.044, p=0.978; sleep X(1) = 2.403, p=0.121; and number of meals X(1) = 0.654, p=0.721; with body image among obese individuals.&#x0D; Conclusions. The university students exhibited low body image. Higher scores on Self-Classified Weight describe how individuals perceive their weight and how they believe others perceive it. The low scores on Appearance Evaluation determine unhappiness with their physical appearance. Interestingly, most students are getting sufficient sleep, and a high percentage of the students’ population is not smoking. The university needs to encourage physical activity and healthy eating behavior.

THE INVENTORY OF STATEMENTS ABOUT SELF-INJURY (ISAS): THE EXPERIENCE OF ADAPTATION TO THE DOMESTIC USAGE

The topic of self-injurious behavior is relatively new for the domestic academic psychology. The article presents the definition of the phenomenon of self-injurious behavior and problematic aspects connected with its conceptualization, the groups of subjects the most prone to its demonstration are specified. The most widespread classifications of forms and types of self-harming behavior are provided, the relations of self-harm with different behavioral manifestations and individual and psychological characteristics are described (low self-esteem, perfectionism, negative self-attitude and body image, and the feeling of failure); its basic psychological reasons (emotional and sexual violence as well as the experience of traumatization) and functions (cutting on psychological pain, decrease of tension, mastering the feeling of internal empiness and loss, attraction of attention, etc.) are summarized. The persisting nature of self-injurious behavior is stressed that demands separate investigation of the psychological interventions elaborated for the current moment. The analysis is made with reference to current foreign both descriptive theoretical works and relevant empirical research. The procedure of primary adaptation of E. Klonsky's ISAS questionnaire for the domestic use is presented: preparation of the Ukrainian version of translation with participation of 3 experts, involvement of the sample of research participants (initially 154 subjects aged 17-49, 82 females, finally 34 subjects aged 17-47, 30 females), finding indices of retest validity and internal consistency of the questionnaire. The calculations showed satisfactory indices for the relevant critetia of the validity of the questionnaire. At the end of the article the Ukrainian version of the translation of the questionnaire is given with the sub-scales (affect regulation, interpersonal boundaries, self-punishment, self-care, anti-dissociation / feeling generation, anti-suicide, sensation-seeking, peer-bonding, interpersonal influence, toughness, marking distress, revenge, and autonomy) and the key. Defining construct validity, making calculations as for the standartization of the questionnaire and its validity verification of a clinical sample are planned.

Narcissistic Personality Traits and Sexual Dysfunction in Women: The Role of Body Image Self-Consciousness

BackgroundIndividuals with narcissistic traits, specifically vulnerable ones, are more prone to experiencing concerns related to self-worth and physical appearance and to showing heightened sensitivity to appearance evaluation. Negative body image and body image self-consciousness may, in turn, undermine sexual functioning, especially when apprehension is related to body appearance in sexual contexts. MethodsWe aimed to evaluate the associations between self-reported pathological narcissistic traits, both grandiose and vulnerable, and sexual functioning in a large sample of nonclinical women (N = 656). Furthermore, we tested the mediating role of body image self-consciousness in these associations. OutcomesSexual functioning was measured through the Female Sexual Function Index. ResultsThe results highlight that vulnerable narcissistic traits are associated with lower sexual functioning, this association being mediated by higher levels of body image self-consciousness. Conversely, grandiose narcissistic traits are linked to lower body image self-consciousness and, consequently, higher levels of sexual functioning. Clinical ImplicationsConsidering the link between body image self-consciousness and sexuality is of utmost importance in clinical practice with women, as well as in promoting positive body appreciation. Clinicians working with individuals presenting with pathological personality traits should consider including an assessment of their sexual functioning. S Pavanello Decaro, M Di Sarno, A Anzani, et al. Narcissistic Personality Traits and Sexual Dysfunction in Women: The Role of Body Image Self-Consciousness. J Sex Med 2021;18:1891–1898.

Comparison of various aspects of women\u2019s lives between infertile and women with and without tubal ligation: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to compare anxiety, depression, body image, self-esteem, sexual function, and quality of life (QoL) between infertile women and control fertile women undergoing tubal ligation (TL) and using condom.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 women in three groups of infertile and control fertile women with or without TL (200 women in each group), who met the inclusion criteria. They were selected from Royan Institute and a number of health care centers in Tehran (Iran) from May 2017 to February 2019. The subjects were asked to fill out the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), and Rosenberg’ Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). One-way ANOVA was used to identify the possible statistical differences between the three groups of participants.ResultsThe mean scores of all FSFI domains were lower in the control TL women, and the differences between the three groups in all dimensions were statistically significant. In addition, the TL group had more female sexual dysfunction (FSD) comparing to the infertile and condom group (22.43 ± 5.30, 24.79 ± 4.74, and 28.03 ± 3.29, respectively P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the three groups in SF-12 scores (76.59 ± 13.14, 68.49 ± 14.47, and 78.87 ± 12.62, respectively P < 0.001). Also there was a significant difference between the three groups in anxiety, depression, and total scores of HADS (P < 0.001). Furthermore, infertile women had lower body image (P < 0.05) and the TL group had lower self-esteem comparing to the two other groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings revealed the adverse effects of using TL on the anxiety, depression, sexual life, body image, and QoL of women. It is recommended that health-care professionals should increase their awareness and knowledge regarding the side-effects of using TL on women’s lives and share this information with the patients.

Body Image Quality of Life Related to Light Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among Young Adults with Overweight/Obesity.

Sedentary behaviors, low levels of physical activity (PA), and low body image quality of life have been identified during college years and associated with poor health outcomes. Public health efforts have recently focused on decreasing sedentary time by increasing light physical activity, both of which have been associated with body image quality of life, though mainly through self-report. In this cross-sectional study, we examined objective actigraphy and survey data from 404 of 459 young adults with overweight and obesity (mean age 23.3 ± 4.4 years, 78.4% female, 55.4% white). PA was measured using an accelerometer worn during waking hours for >10 h/day for four days. Body image quality of life was assessed using the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory Scale. Body image was positively correlated with light PA (r = 0.15) and inversely correlated with BMI (Pearson’s r = −0.20) and sedentary time (r = −0.10), but not moderate PA, vigorous PA, or MVPA. Light PA and sedentary time were significantly inversely correlated (r = −0.38). When controlling for covariates, higher body image quality of life was significantly associated with higher levels of light PA (β = 0.39; p < 0.01) and lower sedentary time (β = −0.39; p = 0.02). Participants with lower body image quality of life enrolled in weight loss interventions may benefit from prescriptions of light PA in conjunction with decreasing sedentary behaviors.

Role of fashion as a form of therapy among women with disabilities in South African

Previous studies have highlighted the important role, fashion can play in one’s cognition and behaviour and how one’s body is impacted, especially people with disabilities. Due to the inconclusive results on the topic, we decided to undertake an empirical study in South Africa to determine how fashion can be used to help women with disabilities deal with issues of body image, low esteem and negative mindset. The study reviewed the literature on body image and disability, body image and fashion as well as on fashion therapy and body image. The study adopted a qualitative research design while interviews were used as means of primary data collection. Data analysis was done by means of coding the participants’ responses before conclusions were drawn about the participants’ views. Findings reveal that fashion can help women with disabilities to deal with issues related to low self-esteem and body image. The study ends with recommendations to include other segments of the disabled community in the study, as well as to expand the study in the other parts of the country.

Men and muscularity research: a review

Over the past 25 years, understanding males’ interest in and outcomes of muscularity has developed into a major area of study. Research has been fueled by the development of measures of both the attitudinal and behavioral aspects of a desire to increase muscularity. Our research purpose was to critically assess muscularity research. Using a database search, the ancestry approach, and searching key journals, we identified empirical refereed journal articles with men as participants published from 2000 to 2019 to serve as our data. Our analyses revealed several individual characteristics (e.g., perfectionism, holding to traditional masculine norms) and socio-cultural influences (e.g., media, verbal commentary) that fueled men’s desire to be muscular. In experimental research, exposure to muscular male ideal images has resulted in low body image scores for young men in investigations that utilized pre-test, post-test designs. In survey research, muscularity was positively related to several risky behaviors or behaviors that could become risky if taken to the extreme. Overall, the reviewed research was conducted in western countries and researchers primarily utilized non-probability samples of undergraduate men. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Translation and psychometric evaluation of the Swedish versions of the Nuss Questionnaire modified for Adults and the Single Step Questionnaire

BackgroundPectus excavatum (PE) is the most common congenital chest wall deformity. Most individuals with PE suffer from psychosocial problems, with low self-esteem and poor body image. Correctional surgery for PE is available, the most widely used is the Nuss procedure. The Nuss procedure has previously been reported to improve self-esteem, body image and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). To assess HRQoL among individuals with PE, the Nuss Questionnaire modified for Adults (NQ-mA) and Single Step Questionnaire (SSQ) has been developed. The aim of the current study was to translate and culturally adapt NQ-mA and SSQ to fit a Swedish context, and to evaluate the psychometric properties, and validate the culturally adapted versions.MethodsIndividuals who had undergone the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum were invited to participate in a multicentre study with cross-sectional design. HRQoL was assessed by NQ-mA, SSQ and RAND-36. Psychometric properties for NQ-mA and SSQ were evaluated by content validity index and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and inter-scale correlations). Known-groups validity, as well as floor and ceiling effects, were evaluated. Internal consistency reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsIn total 236 individuals participated in the study. Content validity index for NQ-mA showed satisfactory results, except for two items. Factor analysis for NQ-mA suggested a two-factor model, with exclusion of two items. Subscales correlated adequately with RAND-36’s domains. Known-groups validity for NQ-mA demonstrated high sensitivity for between-group differences. Ceiling effects were present in several items. Cronbach’s alpha for NQ-mA was .89. Confirmatory factor analysis for SSQ resulted in a three-factor model, with exclusion of five items. However, this model was shown to be unstable through further exploratory factor analysis testing, and no further psychometric tests were conducted for SSQ.ConclusionThe 10-item Swedish version of NQ-mA was shown to be valid for research and clinical assessment of HRQoL in individuals with pectus excavatum. The Swedish version of SSQ requires revision of items before further validation can be performed.

Determination of Self-Efficacy, Body Image and Sexual Adjustment of Women with Breast Cancer.

The determination of the self-efficacy levels of women with breast cancer, as well as their body image (BI) and sexual adjustment status, is very important for their empowerment. The purpose of this study was to determine the self-efficacy, BI, and sexual adjustment levels of women with breast cancer that received chemotherapy, as well as the factors that influence these characteristics. This descriptive study included women (n=117) that were diagnosed with breast cancer, had received at least two sessions of chemotherapy. The study data were collected using a sociodemographic form which also included questions about the breast cancer. Also, the Strategies Used by Patients to Promote Health (SUPPH) scale, and the Sexual Adjustment and Body Image Scale (SABIS) were used. The average age of the women participating in the study was 56.64±8.78 years. In the study, the women with breast cancer undergone a mastectomy, and those who lacked the support of their spouses, as well as education on sexuality, obtained lower scores on the SUPPH and SABIS. There was a positive correlation between the self-efficacy in self-care and sexual adjustment, sexual functions, and body images. This study found that the women with breast cancer had low self-efficacy, and that their former sexual adjustment and low body image had a negative effect on their post-diagnosis sexual functions.

Evaluation of women knowledge and perception about polycystic ovary syndrome and its management in Jordan: A survey-based study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic and endocrine disorder in females in their reproductive-age and is associated with clinical complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perception of women in Jordan about PCOS, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. A descriptive, cross-sectional study that was designed in order to assess female knowledge, and perceptions about PCOS in Jordan. The study was carried out through a validated questionnaire and 227 was the number of recruited female participants. The result showed that the participants had inadequate knowledge about PCOS. The major sources of information were physician and family (n=77, 34%), 205 participants were aware that irregular or absence of menstrual cycle is a symptom of PCOS (90.3%). More than half of participants (55.9%) believe that PCOS patients have low body image. The educational level and marital status factors were significantly associated with participants' knowledge about PCOS (P-value=.008 and .004, respectively). The result of this study concluded that women have insufficient knowledge about PCOS and its complication. There is a need to enhance the knowledge and perception in female population in Jordan by developing education using different sources.

Foods habits, body image and physical fitness in Chilean schoolchildren according to physical activity level and weight status

Background: dietary habits and physical activity (PA) patterns play a crucial role in the integral development of children and adolescents. Objective: to compare according PA frequency (i.e., 0,1,2,3 or 4 times / week) and weight status (i.e., normal weight, overweight and obesity), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), body image dissatisfaction and the physical fitness related to health, and as second objective to determine the association between these variables. Methods: 481 schoolchildren, 166 women and 315 men aged between 8 and 15 years (12.10 ± 1.10 years) belonging to public schools of Temuco, Chile participated. They were classified in three groups according PA frequency: group 1, without PA; group 2, PA 1-2 times/week, and group 3, PA 3-4 times/week. Cardio respiratory fitness (CRF), standing jump long test (SJT), handgrip strength, adherence to MD and body image dissatisfaction were measured. Results: Schoolchildren with more days of PA / week reported higher adherence to MD (p = 0.020), VO2max (p < 0.001) and SJT (p < 0.001) than peers. Likewise, schoolchildren with normal weight show more adherence to MD (P <0.001) and lower body image dissatisfaction (p < 0.001). There is a positive association between PA with VO2MAX (B, 1.28, p < 0.001). The gender presented association with body image dissatisfaction (B, 25.51, p = 0.019). Conclusion: the schoolchildren with greater frequency of PA/week, presenting greater adherence to MD and better physical fitness related to health. Keywords.

Obesity and depressive symptoms in college women: analysis of body image experiences and comparison to non-obese women

ABSTRACT The primary focus of this study was to understand obesity and depressive symptoms in college women. Using non-obese women as a contrast group, obese and non-obese women were compared on body image and psychological adjustment. Additional analyses further examined the obese women by comparing obese women with high versus low depressive symptoms. A total of 51 obese and 524 non-obese college women completed an online survey. Obese women had significantly lower body image and self-esteem and higher depressive symptoms than non-obese women. Obese women with high depressive symptoms reported more eating problems and poorer body image than obese women with low depressive symptoms. Qualitative coding identified factors linked to low depressive symptoms in obese women including: more positive histories of interpersonal relationships; resisting the internalization of weight bias; and other areas of competence taking the focus off of body image experiences. Implications of these findings for intervention design are considered.

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.

Post Mastectomy Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Quality of life in patients with breast cancer is an important outcome. This paper presents an overview and outcome after surgery in breast cancer patients on the topic ranging from descriptive findings to clinical trials.&#x0D; Methods: This is a bibliographic review of the literature covering publications that appeared in English language in biomedical journals between 1992 and 2013. The search strategy included a combination of key words 'quality of life' and 'breast cancer', 'breast carcinoma' or post mastectomy in Titles. Of these, research articles like randomized controlled trials, reviews, abstracts, editorials, brief commentaries, letters were included. The major findings are summarized and presented under several headings: instruments used, validation studies, measurement issues, surgical treatment, quality of life as predictor of survival, psychological distress, supportive care, symptoms and sexual functioning.&#x0D; Results: Instruments-Several valid instruments were used to measure quality of life in breast cancer patients. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and its breast cancer specific complementary measure (EORTC QLQ-BR23) were listed in this study, as it is a common, highly standard and well developed instruments to measure quality of life in breast cancer patients. Different surgical procedures led to relatively similar results in terms of quality of life assessments, although mastectomy patients compared to conserving surgery patients usually reported a lower body image and sexual functioning. Systemic therapies-almost all studies indicated that breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy might experience several side-effects and symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life. Adjuvant hormonal therapies also were found to have similar negative impact on quality of life, although in general they were associated with improved survival. Quality of life as predictor of survival-similar to known medical factors, quality of life data in metastatic breast cancer patients were found to be prognostic and predictive of survival time. Psychological distress-anxiety and depression were found to be common among breast cancer patients even years after the disease diagnosis and treatment. Psychological factors also were found to predict subsequent quality of life or even overall survival in breast cancer patients. As recommended, recognition and management of these symptoms is an important issue since such symptoms impair health-related quality of life. Sexual functioning-breast cancer patients especially younger patients suffer from poor sexual functioning that negatively affect quality of life.&#x0D; Conclusion: There was quite an extensive body of the literature on quality of life in breast cancer patients. These papers have made a considerable contribution to improving breast cancer care, although their exact benefit was hard to define. However, quality of life data provided scientific evidence for clinical decision-making and conveyed helpful information concerning breast cancer patients' experiences during the course of the disease diagnosis, treatment, disease-free survival time, and recurrences.&#x0D; Journal of Surgical Sciences (2013) Vol. 17 (1) : 35-44

Factors associated with depressive symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in Northern Taiwan

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) experience impaired physical function and reduced quality of life, which puts this group at high risk for depression. Identifying factors associated with depressive symptoms could improve outcomes for this at-risk group. However, few studies have examined the relationship between demographic and clinical variables and depressive symptoms in patients with AS. This cross-sectional correlation study recruited patients with AS by convenience sampling from the division of immunology and rheumatology of a medical center in Northern Taiwan. Participants (N = 120) included 91 males and 29 females, age ≥ 20 years. Data were collected from chart reviews, and structural questionnaires, which included demographic information regarding employment status, history of falls, impact of AS on work; clinical information relative to AS was obtained from structural questionnaires: the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and functional index (BASFI), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Body Image Scale (BIS), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Multiple regression analysis identified predictors of depression. The mean BDI-II score was 9.50 ± 8.30; 25% had scores indicating mild to severe depressive symptoms. Mean score on the BIS was 68.17 ± 16.14; 14.2% had fallen within the previous year; and 57.5% reported AS affected their work. Variables associated with depressive symptoms were work affected by AS (β = 0.14, p = .049), occurrence of a fall within the previous year (β = 0.14, p = .032), higher scores on the BASDAI (β = 0.21, p = .032), and lower body image (β = −0.38, p < .001). Clinical professionals should regularly assess patients with AS for depressive symptoms. Health care planning should provide instruction in fall prevention and control of disease activity, and strategies to improve body image, which could improve patients’ self-management capabilities and body image as well as mitigate depressive symptoms.