The Validity of Cutaneous Body Image as a Construct and as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Cutaneous Disease and Mental Health.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous body image (CBI) is a construct encompassing how individuals perceive their hair, skin, and nails. Negative CBI has been related to negative psychological outcomes and body image concerns. The first aim of our study was to further validate CBI as a construct. Second, as individuals with dermatologic conditions are at an increased risk for anxiety and depression, the study examined CBI as a mediator of the relationships between having a skin condition and anxiety and depression. METHODS: A convenience sample of clinical participants with dermatologist-validated diagnoses of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or acne who were currently taking systemic medication (n = 128) were matched to a sample of comparison participants without skin conditions (n = 128) on self-reported gender, ethnicity, developmental stage, and weight status (body mass index). All participants reported on their CBI, self-esteem (global, appearance-related, and weight-related), body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, dietary restraint, anxiety, depression, and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Cutaneous body image was more negative in those respondents with skin conditions (regression analysis B = - 0.61, standard error 0.23, p = 0.008), demonstrating the criterion-related validity of the measure. CBI was significantly correlated with global (r = 0.39, p < 0.001) and appearance-related self-esteem (r = 0.50, p < 0.001), which establishes convergent validity. CBI was not significantly related to a drive for thinness (r = - 0.12, p = 0.06) or to dietary restraint (r = - 0.05, p = 0.39), supporting discriminant validity. CBI mediated the relationships between having a dermatologic condition and anxiety [point estimate of indirect effect 0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02, 0.15] and depression (point estimate of indirect effect 0.04, 95% CI 0.01, 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The measure of CBI has been further validated. Dermatologists must be aware that various dermatoses may impact patient mental health via the mechanism of negative CBI.

The status of low vision rehabilitation and certification in the state of Michigan.

BACKGROUND: With the estimated increase in the number of Americans with vision-related disabilities on the horizon, the need for optometrists with expertise in low vision rehabilitation services will increase. State optometric certification in low vision rehabilitation is currently only available in 3 states through affiliations between the state optometric associations and other organizations or government entities. METHODS: A mail survey was conducted among Michigan Optometric Association member optometrists designed to address the current percentage of optometrists who practice low vision rehabilitation as well as the percentage who are low vision certified through the Michigan Optometric Association and to establish future need for additional low vision rehabilitation providers in the state. RESULTS: Of the 188 participants, only 26.0% stated that they provide low vision rehabilitation services, the majority of whom provide only primary care low vision rehabilitation. Only 6.4% of respondents are certified low vision rehabilitation specialists through the Michigan Optometric Association. CONCLUSION: The low percentage of optometrists in the state of Michigan who practice low vision rehabilitation may lead to a shortage of providers for the aging and visually impaired Michigan population seeking low vision rehabilitation services. Even fewer are certified low vision providers through the voluntary Michigan Optometric Association certification process.