A systematic review of tools used to assess body image, masculinity and self‐esteem in men with prostate cancer

Abstract

Objective: Masculinity, body image and self-esteem are important interlinked factors affecting prostate cancer (PCa) patients' quality of life. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate all tools measuring these domains in men with PCa. Methods: This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines with a priori protocol registered. Pubmed, Embase, Medline and Psychinfo were searched from inception to May 2020. Studies using a predefined tool which measured any body image, self-esteem or masculinity construct in men with PCa were included, as well as validation studies of these. Reliability, validity and responsiveness of tools identified were objectively evaluated against the COSMIN taxonomy of measurement properties. Results: From 1416 records screened, a final 46 studies consisting of 17 different tools were included in the systematic review. Seven tools were identified assessing body image, nine masculinity and one self-esteem, varying widely in their number of items, possible responses and domains assessed. Most tools had evaluated internal consistency through Cronbach's alpha analysis; however, structural and discriminative validity, and responsiveness were lacking for many. Additionally, only one tool identified was specifically developed and evaluated in patients with PCa: The Masculinity in Chronic Disease Inventory. Conclusions: Numerous tools have been used for the measurement of body image, masculinity and self-esteem in men with PCa. However, few were developed specifically for these patients. More research is therefore needed to ascertain specific factors affecting these outcomes in PCa patients, so valid, reliable and clinically relevant tools can be developed.

The impact of hegemonic masculine ideals on self‐esteem in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to ADT‐naïve patients

“…It is also important to note that while the BIS is a validated measure among cancer patients, 47 this questionnaire was not specifically validated among PCa patients, 76 meaning that some nuances related to the body image experience of this population might not be captured by the questionnaire. However, it is also important to highlight that none of the body image measures currently administered to PCa patients have been validated among this specific group of cancer patients, which represents a limitation of the broader field 76 . Therefore, the choice of BIS remains sound within the current field limitations, as it is the most frequently administered scale among PCa patients to date 76 .…”

“…However, it is also important to highlight that none of the body image measures currently administered to PCa patients have been validated among this specific group of cancer patients, which represents a limitation of the broader field 76 . Therefore, the choice of BIS remains sound within the current field limitations, as it is the most frequently administered scale among PCa patients to date 76 . Moreover, the consultation of a PPI group to check for survey acceptability and appropriateness allowed us to verify in advance whether participants found BIS items relevant for them.…”

“…76 Therefore, the choice of BIS remains sound within the current field limitations, as it is the most frequently administered scale among PCa patients to date. 76 GENTILI ET AL.…”

Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices: A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Psychological Support on Quality of Life and Body Image (BI-PORT)

“…• Adjuvant 4 (17%) 5 (20%) 12 (40%) 4 (11%) This literature is particularly focused on body image in cancers affecting organs directly implied in sexual life or reproductive system, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer, whose treatment effects have substantial psychological and social connotations (Bowie et al, 2020;Morales-Sánchez et al, 2021). In a very recent study on a web-based psychological intervention aimed to alleviate body image-related distress after breast cancer treatment through a single-session, self-compassionfocused writing activity, significantly greater body appreciation and self-compassion were observed in the interventional arm (Sherman et al, 2018).…”

“…In fact, this literature suggests that self-esteem, as the feeling of satisfaction with oneself based on the evaluation of characteristics of an individual, can be a protective factor for anxiety due to the negative opinions of others. In fact, self-esteem is related to body image by the association between body mass index, body shape, and negative evaluation ( Bowie et al, 2020 ; Morales-Sánchez et al, 2021 ). The connection between body image, self-esteem, and fear of negative evaluation suggests that such factors may affect the QoL of patients and thus remains a potential target of an intervention ( Ahadzadeh et al, 2018 ).…”