INFLUENCIA DE LA APARIENCIA DE LAS MAMAS EN LA CALIDAD DE VIDA. DIFERENCIAS ENTRE POBLACIÓN PREOPERATORIA DE MAMOPLASTÍA DE REDUCCIÓN Y POBLACIÓN CONTROL

Criterion validity of a questionnaire to assess quality of life associated to the appearance of breasts in women Background: The Breast QoL Reduction and Mastopexy Module assesses quality of life associated to breast appearance from the point of view of the patient. Its Spanish version was recently validated in Chile. Aim: To assess the criterion validity of the instrument applying it in different populations of women and in the pre and post-operative periods. Material and Methods: The questionnaire was applied to six women subjected to reduction mammoplasty in the pre and post-operative period. It was also applied to 20 women hospitalized for other causes and 20 female medical students. Results: There were significant differences between operated women and their non-operated counterparts in the domains body self-image, social performance and physical symptoms. No differences in sexuality were found. However this last question was answered only by four operated patients, since two declared not to have sex life. Conclusions: The questionnaire is useful to assess quality of life associated to the appearance of breasts.