Determination of Quality of life, Self-esteem and Self-image in patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis subjected to Surgical treatment in Malaysia

Abstract

Idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal deformity which affects patient’s self-esteem, self-image and quality of life. Surgery is offered when the curve is more than 45 degree based on its progression. The objective of this study is to determine the pre and post-surgical self-esteem, self-image and quality of life in idiopathic scoliosis patients. A cross sectional study was conducted by using Scoliosis Research Society-30 (SRS-30) self-administered patient questionnaire. There are 115 patients were recruited in this study where 35 (30.43%) male and 80 (69.6%) female patients. Age of patient ranged from 10 to 49 years old with mean age of 24.65 ± 7.704. There were 42 (36.52%) Malay patients, 40 (34.78%) Chinese patients, 25 (21.73%) Indian patients and 8 (6.96%) from other races. Results shows that self-esteem and self-image is significantly higher (r = 0.216, p=0.021) after surgery compared to before surgery. As for quality of life, physical function did not significantly change after surgery but quality of life based on psychological function and social wellbeing is significantly higher after surgery. Positive association were found between satisfaction of treatment with self-image (r = 0.713, p=0.00) and self-image with self-esteem (r = 0.216, p=0.021) and negative association found between satisfaction of treatment with self-esteem (r = - 0.210, p=0.024). In conclusion patients with idiopathic scoliosis report lower self-esteem and self-image before surgical treatment and significantly improves after surgical correction and patients are generally satisfied with their life as well as the outcome of surgical treatment.