[Influence of the social context on the body image perception of women undergoing breast cancer surgery].

UNLABELLED: In Western cultures, female breasts are strongly related to the world of sexuality and physical attractiveness, although this can vary according to the social context.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of social context on the body image perception of women undergoing breast cancer surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed. Study settings were the State Oncology Center of the ISSEMyM (Social Security Institute of the State of Mexico and its Municipalities) in Toluca (Mexico) and San Cecilio University Hospital in Granada (Spain). The study sample comprised 72 mastectomized females, 30 from Mexico and 42 from Spain. Data were gathered on their socio-demographic variables, self-reported personal and family clinical histories, and scores on the validated Hopwood Body Image Scale (BIS).

RESULTS

In the Spanish group of mastectomized women, 67.7% were in active employment compared with 43.3% of the Mexican group, a significant difference (p < 0.05). Body image perception was superior in women connected to the world of work and with a higher educational level. The women in a more developed social context had a significantly (p < 0.05) better body image perception.

CONCLUSIONS

The social context of masectomized women affects their body image perception, which is influenced by their occupation and educational level.