Body image as a mediator between bowel dysfunction symptoms and psychological outcomes among patients with colorectal cancer.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors commonly experience bowel dysfunction symptoms because of treatment, leading to psychological distress. While previous studies have focused on managing physical symptoms and the impact of a stoma on psychological outcomes, CRC patients without a stoma may also suffer from psychological distress, including body image distress due to their bowel dysfunction symptoms. Body image distress may mediate the relationship between bowel dysfunction symptoms and psychological outcomes in CRC patients.

Objective: This study aims to (1) identify bowel dysfunction symptoms, body image distress, and psychological outcomes in CRC survivors and (2) examine the mediating role of body image in the relationship between bowel dysfunction symptoms and psychological outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational design was employed, and CRC survivors completed the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) Score, Body Image Scale (BIS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. The mediated role of body image was examined using Hayes' PROCESS macro.

Results: A total of 193 CRC patients provided data, with 65.8% reporting experiencing bowel dysfunction symptoms, 44.6% reporting body image distress, and 40.4% experiencing anxiety and depression. Body image was found to partially mediate the effect of bowel dysfunction symptoms on both anxiety (β = 0.0446, 95% CI = 0.0061, 0.0968) and depression (β = 0.0411, 95% CI = 0.0034, 0.0941).

Conclusions: The significant mediating role of body image underscores the importance of addressing both bowel dysfunction symptoms and body image distress. Healthcare professionals should integrate both physical and psychological aspects to promote psychological well-being.