The Body Image and Relationships Scale: Development and Validation of a Measure of Body Image in Female Breast Cancer Survivors

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1269-1274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia M. Hormes ◽  
Leslie A. Lytle ◽  
Cynthia R. Gross ◽  
Rehana L. Ahmed ◽  
Andrea B. Troxel ◽  
...  

PurposeA self-report measure of body image in female breast cancer survivors, the Body Image and Relationships Scale (BIRS), was developed to address attitudes about appearance, health, physical strength, sexuality, relationships, and social functioning following treatment.MethodsThe 32-item measure, generated by expert consensus and revised based on focus group feedback, was administered to 95 female breast cancer participants twice within 1 to 2 weeks. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and validity of the measure were assessed using standard-scale construction techniques. The structure of the proposed measure was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis. Associations of the resulting factors and other variables were assessed using extreme groups analyses.ResultsThe BIRS had satisfactory test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Principal axis factoring revealed three factors: (1) health and strength, (2) social barriers, and (3) appearance and sexuality. Correlations of the subscales with standardized measures of related constructs were significant and in the anticipated directions. Extreme groups analyses suggested associations between less physical activity and more impairment on factors 1 and 3, premenopausal status at first diagnosis and more impairment on factor 2, and younger age at the time of survey administration and more impairment on factor 3.ConclusionThe proposed scale demonstrated satisfactory reliability and internal consistency. Factor analysis revealed three subscales with coherent item content and differential associations with measures of activity level, menopause status, and age. Observed relationships with other measures support convergent and divergent validity. Results suggest that the proposed scale is useful for clinical and research applications.

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Singh-Carlson ◽  
F. Wong ◽  
G. Oshan

Background This paper focuses on phase iii of a study evaluating the development and implementation of a survivorship care plan (scp) that could ultimately improve post-treatment quality of life for South Asian (sa) breast cancer survivors (bcss). Evaluating the utility of the scp was important to understand how sociocultural influences might affect uptake of the scp by sa bcss, especially as they transition from treatment to community care.Methods Post-treatment discharge planning using an individualized scp at discharge for sa female breast cancer patients with stage i or ii disease was offered as a pilot service to oncologists at BC Cancer’s Fraser Valley and Abbotsford centres. A longitudinal study using a mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the utility of that service at 1 year after discharge.Results Participants (n = 16) completed a survey about their scp delivery experience, and a 1-year post implementation survey about the scp content and its utility. Most participants reported the discharge appointments to be extremely or very helpful with respect to post-treatment care questions. All have visited their family physicians for follow-up as recommended. The three major sources of support were family, faith, and family physician. Qualitative responses from the health care professionals who developed or implemented the scps identified two challenges in scp delivery: engaging patients or family members in relationship, and translating key information through interpreters.Conclusions It is important to evaluate the utility of scps for sa female survivors, who might differ from the general bcs population because of a different understanding of the disease; language barriers; strong influence of family members; societal stigmas; and personal, social, cultural, and religious beliefs and values. A formal nurse-led discharge appointment with discussions about follow-up care and an individualized scp outlining the short- and long-term effects of treatment are recommended. Particular attention has to be paid to the practical and psychosocial needs of sa bcss and their supporting family members.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Morone ◽  
Marco Iosa ◽  
Augusto Fusco ◽  
Antonella Scappaticci ◽  
Maria Rosaria Alcuri ◽  
...  

In breast cancer survivors, own body image may change due to physical and psychological reasons, worsening women’s living. The aim of the study was to investigate whether body image may affect the functional and quality of life outcomes after a multidisciplinary and educational rehabilitative intervention in sixty women with primary nonmetastatic breast cancer who have undergone conservative surgery. To assess the quality of life was administered The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Study Group on Quality of Life core questionnaire, while to investigate the psychological features and self-image were administered the following scales: the Body Image Scale, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. To assess the recovery of the function of the shoulder were administered: the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire and the Constant-Murley Score. Data were collected at the baseline, at the end of the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. We found a general improvement in the outcomes related to quality of life, and physical and psychological features after treatment (P< 0.001). During follow-up period, a higher further improvement in women without alterations in body image in respect of those with an altered self-perception of their own body was found (P= 0.01). In conclusion, the body image may influence the efficacy of a rehabilitative intervention, especially in the short term of follow-up.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tan Simin ◽  
Yan Jin ◽  
Zhang Aidi ◽  
Tan Xiaofang ◽  
Ruan Chunhong ◽  
...  

Background: Scant evidence exists among the different psychological issues between patients with breast cancer and their spouses. The objective of our study was to develop the measuring instrument testing psychological reaction and compare the difference in psychological reaction between patients with breast cancer and their spouses during the period of diagnosis and treatment.Method: The semi-structured interview guideline was guided by the psychological stress model. In-depth interviews were conducted among patients with breast cancer and their spouses. Qualitative data was used to establish the item pool for the psychological reaction. Delphi method was used for item modifications. The items were conducted to find common factors through exploration factor analysis. Comparing the differences of common factors through t-test between patients with breast cancer and their spouses.Results: Five couples were interviewed directed by the semi-structured interview guideline. About 38 items were reserved to formulate the questionnaire through the Delphi method. A total of 391 respondents (216 patients and 175 spouses) were recruited to complete the questionnaire. Two common structures were found through exploration factor analysis, which was named as reaction to role and body image change and negative coping reaction. The t-test found that the dimension of reaction to role and body image change (95% CI = 2.34–5.01, p &lt; 0.001) reflects the difference between patients with breast cancer and their spouses.Conclusion: The reactions to role and body image change between patients with breast cancer and their spouses are different during the period of diagnosis and treatment. Clinical workers should pay attention to the different reactions and help couples deal with breast cancer smoothly.


Author(s):  
Juan Gavala-González ◽  
Amanda Torres-Pérez ◽  
José Carlos Fernández-García

The aim of this study was to determine whether a rowing training program improved the quantity and quality of physical activity and quality of life in female breast cancer survivors (stage I - 4.35%; II - 30.43%; III - 52.17%; and IV - 8.7%) diagnosed 6.57 ± 5.02 years previously, who had undergone a subsequent intervention (preservation 53.52%; total mastectomy 39.13% and double mastectomy 4.35%) and had a current mean age of 53.70 ± 7.88 years. The participants (N = 30) engaged in a 12-week training program, each week comprising three sessions and each session lasting 60-90 minutes. An anthropometric evaluation was performed before and after the program. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were also administered. The results showed statistically significant improvements in levels of physical activity and in the dimensions of quality of life. We can conclude that a 12-week rowing training program tailored to women who have had breast cancer increases physical activity levels, leading to improved health status and quality of life.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojgan Firouzbakht ◽  
Seyed- Javad Rekabpour ◽  
Majedeh Nabavian ◽  
Maryam Nikpour ◽  
Hamid Sharif Nia

Abstract Background: Assessing body image among breast cancer survivors is essential to the development of good treatment and rehabilitation plans. Culturally-appropriate methods and instruments are needed for body image assessment. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Body Image after Breast Cancer Questionnaire. Methods: In this methodological study, the Body Image after Breast Cancer Questionnaire was translated into Persian through forward-backward translation. Then, its content validity was assessed by twelve experts, and 400 women with breast cancer completed the questionnaire. The construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and its convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated using Fornell and Larcker’s approach. The reliability of the questionnaire was also evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and composite reliability. Results: In exploratory factor analysis, five factors were extracted, namely vulnerability, body stigma, body-related shame, body satisfaction, and physical disability stigma. Confirmatory factor analysis also confirmed the fit of the five-factor model (χ2 = 466.95; N = 241; P < 0.001; PCFI = 0.728; PNFI = 0.624; CMIN/DF = 1.938; RMSEA = 0.068; AGFI = 0.808; IFI = 0.838). Second-order factor analysis also revealed that the subscales of the questionnaire measured an overarching concept which was labeled “Body image stigma”. The questionnaire had acceptable content and convergent validity and composite reliability. Conclusion: The Persian version of Body Image after Breast Cancer Questionnaire measures the broad concept of “Body image stigma”. The Persian BIBCQ has acceptable validity and reliability and hence, can be used for assessing body image among breast cancer survivors. Keyword: Body image, Breast cancer, Psychometric evaluation, Validity, Reliability


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