Body Image Dissatisfaction and Mental Health among Patients with Dermatological Disorders

Abstract

The self-perception of one's body image could influence mental health outcome. Body image dissatisfaction is a growing research area that is under-diagnosed and under-reported in Nigeria and Africa. The study aimed to assess body image dissatisfaction among patients with dermatological disorders and determine its relationship with perceived stigma and depressive feelings. The study employed a cross-sectional hospital-based design. The study population comprised 94 adult patients attending the dermatology out-patient clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ), a validated and reliable tool was used to determine body dissatisfaction scores. Scores greater than or equals to 18 were categorized as body image dissatisfaction. Mental health outcomes (perceived stigma and depressive feelings) were assessed from the open-ended responses of the BIDQ. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 at p<0.05. The mean (±standard deviation) BIDQ score was 11.0 (±5.6). The differences in the mean scores across the dermatological disorders were not statistically significant (ANOVA=1.507; p=0.111). The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 12.8% (n=12). A significantly higher proportion of participants with body image dissatisfaction had depressive feelings (66.7% versus 22.0%; p=0.003) and perceived stigma (41.7% versus 9.8%; p=0.011) in comparison to those that had no body image dissatisfaction. Significantly higher odds of depressive feelings (Odds Ratio=7.1; 95%CI=1.9- 26.3) and perceived stigma (Odds Ratio=6.6; 95%CI=1.7-25.7) were reported among patients with body image dissatisfaction. Body image dissatisfaction is associated with perceived stigma and depressive feelings. Measures to promote mental health are advocated among patients with skin problems.