title: Evaluation of body image and self-esteem in patients with external fixation devices: a Turkish perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This descriptive study aimed to describe the body image and self-esteem of patients with external fixation devices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty patients with external fixation devices who came for follow-up to the Ilizarov Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital in Turkey were included in this study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected by using a Demographic Questionnaire Form, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), and Coppersmith Self-Esteem Inventory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The perceived body image (197.58 +/- 25.14) and self-esteem (65.28 +/- 17.97) of the patients with external fixation devices were in the moderate range. There was no significant correlation between body image and self-esteem. Self-esteem was correlated with one's perception of whether external fixation impacted one's appearance and whether one wanted to avoid being seen by certain individuals because of the appearance of the external fixator.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study highlighted that body image disturbance and threats to self-esteem are not universal with the use of external fixation and need to be assessed individually.
authors: Florence Nightingale School of Nursing, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Funda
authors: F
authors: Büyükyilmaz
authors: Merdiye
authors: M
authors: Sendir
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Salmond
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey