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Learning Objective 1: use this Self Image Scale to assess self perception in women with benign gynecologic conditions after hysterectomy and build up a reliable outcome indicator.
Learning Objective 2: understand this postoperative assessment and consultation for the patient’s needs may lead to a faster recovery and improved outcomes in quality of life.
This study aimed to develop a new Self Image Scale and evaluate its psychometric properties in Taiwanese women.
Methods:
The development of the Self Image Scale proceeded in the following three phases. Phase 1 focused on item generation about self image. Phase 2 was to examine the content validity and internal consistency. This study is Phase 3, a full psychometric evaluation, including factor structure, reliability, validity was conducted. A prospective study design. A total of 115 women were recruited and completed the required measurements. The inclusion criteria were the women who (1) were scheduled for an elective hysterectomy without bilateral salpingoophorectomy, (2) had regular menstrual cycle and not older than 50 years old, and (3) whose indication for surgery was a benign gynecologic condition. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 16.0 for descriptive analysis and exploratory factor analysis and the LISREL 8.80 for confirmatory factor analysis.
Results:
The mean age of participants was 43.9 years. There was no significant difference on the demographic and clinical characteristics between the women receiving laparoscopic hysterectomy (n = 59) versus abdominal hysterectomy (n = 56). The Self Image Scale had satisfactory psychometric properties. The final scale was 13-item with Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96. In regard to structure of Self Image Scale, factor analysis identified three factors, including reconfiguring of the body imahe, mending of the body boundary and confidence of feminine self. Differences between subgroups of women were detected, demonstrating good clinic validity. The Self Image Scale had a good sensitivity to capture body image changes during the recovery period after hysterectomy.
Conclusion:
The Self Image Scale was shown to be a reliable and valid scale. It is easy to be applied to assess the hysterectomy affecting women’s self image. And, it is potentially useful in clinical practice.