The relationship between resilience, quality of life, and body image in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer put women at risk of altered body image and quality of life (QOL).Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between resilience, QOL, and body image in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 on 172 women with breast cancer referring to the chemotherapy department of Omid Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected using a demographic data form, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Hopwood Body Image Scale (HBIS). The data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis.Results: The mean total QOL score was 53.70±18.94. In addition, the mean resilience score was 69.83±14.52. The mean body image score was 8.23±6.65. Resilience was directly correlated with QOL (r=0.491, P<0.001). The psychological-spiritual dimension of QOL was a significant predictor for resilience (P<0.001). Resilience was inversely correlated with body image (r=-0.37, P<0.05).Conclusion: The psychological-spiritual dimension of QOL was a significant predictor for resilience. Improving women’s resilience during chemotherapy can reduce their psychological symptoms and improve the QOL and body image of these patients.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• chemotherapy
• psychological resilience
• quality of life
• body image