Impact of Body Image Perception on Behavioral Outcomes in Chinese Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Sarcoma

Abstract

Purpose To identify the prevalence and predictive factors of body image dissatisfaction among Chinese adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of sarcoma, and to evaluate its associations with behavioral outcomes. Methods In total, 116 AYA survivors (48.3% female; mean age 28.2 years, SD = 8.2 years) of osteosarcoma (49.1%) or soft-tissue sarcoma (50.9%) were recruited from an academic hospital. The survivors self-reported their perceived body image using the Body Image Scale. Behavioral outcomes were assessed using DSM-oriented scales of the ASEBA Adult Self-Report checklist. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to identify predictors of body image perception and investigate the association between body image dissatisfaction and behavioral outcomes. Results At 15 years post-cancer diagnosis, one third of the cohort (35.3%) reported dissatisfaction with their body image. Female survivors (Est = 3.13, SE = 1.53; P = 0.044) and survivors who had undergone surgery (Est = 7.13, SE = 3.35; P = 0.037) reported poorer body image perception. Body image dissatisfaction was associated with symptoms of depression (Est = 0.29, SE = 0.10; P = 0.005) and avoidant personality (Est = 0.41, SE = 0.12; P < 0.001). Conclusion A negative perception of body image was associated with psychological distress in long-term survivorship. The provision of psychosocial intervention early during the cancer care continuum may mitigate the negative impact of body image distress in AYA survivors.