Body Image, Self-perception, and Satisfaction Among Girls With Turner Syndrome: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study

Context Delayed puberty and short stature in girls with Turner syndrome (TS) can lead to low body image, self-esteem, and satisfaction. Objective We aimed to evaluate body image, self-perception, and satisfaction among girls with TS using the Multi-Dimensional Body Image Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scale (MBSRQ-AS). Methods Patients with karyotype-proven diagnosis of TS between 15 and 21 years were included after they achieved final adult height. We used the MBSRQ-AS instrument with 5 subscales: Appearance Evaluation (AE), Appearance Orientation (AO), Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS), Overweight Preoccupation (OWP), and Self Classified Weight (SCW) subscales. Mean scores were compared with the available sex-matched population norms and compared between different subcohorts. Results Of 59 eligible girls, 37 girls agreed to participate with mean age 17.35 +/- 1.6 years. Girls with TS had significantly lower scores than the sex-matched population norms in AO (mean [SD]: 3.32 [0.42] vs 3.91 [0.6]); P < .001) and SCW (mean [SD]: 3.26 [0.71] vs 3.57 [0.73]; P = .01) subscales. In contrast, they had slightly higher scores in BASS (mean [SD]: 3.38 [0.74] vs 3.23 [0.74]; P = .23) and OWP (mean [SD]: 3.12 [0.39] vs 3.03 [0.96]; P = .21) subscales though not statistically significant. Girls with classic 45X karyotype and those who were overweight/obese had lower scores in AE and AO subscales than the normal population (P < .05). Conclusion Compared with sex-matched population norms, girls with TS are not reporting negative effects due to their appearance and report general satisfaction with most areas of their body; however, girls with TS with classic karyotype or who were obese/overweight were generally unhappy with their physical appearance. They also seem to not focus their attention on their appearance.

Automated summary

The study found that girls with Turner syndrome have lower scores in appearance orientation and self classified weight compared to their peers, while slightly higher scores in body areas satisfaction and overweight preoccupation, though not statistically significant. Girls with classic 45X karyotype and those who were overweight or obese had lower scores in appearance evaluation and appearance orientation.