Self-body image and its association to quality of life among women undergoing to mastectomy

Abstract

Author(s): Reyam Hussein Yaqoub* and Hala Saadi Abdulwahid

Background: The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can take a toll on women, both physically and psychologically. Women with breast cancer undergo many painful and debilitating treatments as well as emotional trauma. In addition, treatment methods can lead to multiple changes, causing distress and a change in a person's appearance. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the self-body image and its relationship to the quality of life of women who undergo mastectomy.

Methods: A descriptive correlational study conducted in at Baquba Teaching Hospital in Oncology Centre during the period from October 1st 2022 to March 14th 2023. The study sample consist of 200 patients is selected according to non-probability sampling approach. The validity of the questionnaire was verified by experts and its reliability was verified through a pilot study. The total number of items included in the questionnaire was (16) items of selfbody- image and (37) items of quality of life. Data were collected through the interview and analysed by applying descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.

Results: The results indicated that the average age of the respondents is 49.22 years, (51%) were married, (36%) were read and write, (82%) were housewife, (74%) were urban residents and (30%) were make 300-600 thousand Iraqi dinars. Over than half (67%) of the study participants were found to average self-body image and (66%) were poor quality of life. There is a positive correlation between quality of life and body image.

Conclusions: The study adds knowledge regarding health education for all segments of society towards mastectomy. Further study is needed to explore strategies that improve self-body image and quality of life. Given the direct relationship between body image and quality of life in patients with mastectomy subjects, use of interventional methods is required to improve quality of life, and as a result improve body image in these patients. Also, further cross-sectional, longitudinal studies are required on a larger scale in other cities.

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