Adolesan Yaş Grubunda Jinekomastinin Beden Algısı ve Cinsel Kimlik Üzerine Etkisinin Araştırılması

Abstract

The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of gynecomastia on body image perception and sexual identity in the adolescent age group. Fourty seven adolescent boys between 11-18 years who referred to Hacettepe University Ihsan Dogramacı Children?s Hospital Adolescent Unit with gynecomastia determined as study group and sixty three male adolescents within the same age group determined as control group included in our study. We performed Body Image Perception Scale (BIPS) and Bem Gender Role Inventory (BGRI) to study group in the first meeting and at first month control, to the control group only in the first meeting. In the first meeting after scale and inventory filled, we gave detailed information about gynecomastia to the study group. The peak incidence of gynecomastia was seen at Tanner stage III. Gynecomastia was palpated in %74.6 of patients bilaterally. There was no significant difference between study and control groups on chronological and height age, body mass index, average height. Study and control groups were questioned about lipomastia, fast food eating, bicorbonate containing beverage consumption, chronic illness, drug usage and family history about gynecomastia. Chronic illness, drug usage and family history about gynecomastia were significantly more in the study group. Although there was no significant difference between the gynecomastia and control groups in BIPS median points, when the scale items examined in detail, we can say that body image perception is destroyed in the patients with gynecomastia. After detailed information about gynecomastia given in the first meeting, the BIPS points were improved in the first month control that showed us the importance of paying attention to the emotional discomfort of the patient with gynecomastia and giving psychological support to them. According to the BGRI results, we can say that patients with gynecomastia are not affected by the feminine direction. In conclusion, body image perception is destroyed in adolescents with gynecomastia but breast development as a normal finding of pubertal development in girls does not affect adolescent boys in the feminine direction. The degree of emotional discomfort in the adolescent boys with gynecomastia should be assessed by the clinician at clinical mettings and necessary information about gynecomastia should be told and psychological support should be given to them. The psychological support is as much important as the medical therapy.