The relation between breast reduction and activity participation with specific reference to leisure activities

  • PA Hough University of the Free State
  • M Nel University of the Free State
  • JF Jooste University of the Free State
  • E Breitenbach University of the Free State
  • R Botes University of the Free State
  • E Lamola University of the Free State
  • E Naude University of the Free State
  • M Smit University of the Free State
  • E Strydom University of the Free State
Keywords: breast reduction, activity participation, leisure

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between breast reduction and participation in leisure activity. The study population consisted of 27 women who had undergone breast reduction surgery at the Academic Practice of Plastic Surgery of Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein during the period from January 2000 to December 2005. The median age of the participants was 33 years and the median elapsed time since the breast reduction surgery was 2.0 years. A questionnaire was used to determine the effect of large breasts on participation in leisure activities before and after breast reduction surgery. Significant differences were found in this regard, with participation in active leisure (53.2%) improving more than participation in quiet leisure (19.6%). Factors relating to motivation and satisfaction when participating in leisure activities were also investigated and statistically significant increases (95% confidence interval for the median difference [30; 68] for motivation and [46; 78] for satisfaction) in both the factors were found after breast reduction surgery. The results of this study indicate that women with large breasts have limited participation in leisure activities, which disturbs their occupational balance as a whole. Where surgery alleviates physical discomfort and reduces back pain, opportunities are created for participation and improvement of skill in leisure activities.

Author Biographies

PA Hough, University of the Free State
B.Occupational Therapy, M.Occupational Therapy Department Occupational Therapy
M Nel, University of the Free State
BA, BA Honours, M Med Sc Department Biostatistics
JF Jooste, University of the Free State
MBCHB, M Med Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
E Breitenbach, University of the Free State
B.Occupational Therapy Department Occupational Therapy
R Botes, University of the Free State
B.Occupational Therapy Department Occupational Therapy
E Lamola, University of the Free State
B.Occupational Therapy Department Occupational Therapy
E Naude, University of the Free State
B.Occupational Therapy Department Occupational Therapy
M Smit, University of the Free State
B.Occupational Therapy Department Occupational Therapy
E Strydom, University of the Free State
B.Occupational Therapy Department Occupational Therapy
Published
2007-09-04
Issue
Vol 49, No 8 - September 2007
Section
Scientific letters
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