Christina April Kent, Patricia Holch, Brendan Gough, Lynda Wyld, Georgina L Jones
{"title":"Experiences of women who self-report Breast Implant Illness (BII): a qualitative evidence synthesis.","authors":"Christina April Kent, Patricia Holch, Brendan Gough, Lynda Wyld, Georgina L Jones","doi":"10.1080/17437199.2025.2503743","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>It has been postulated, but not empirically validated, that breast implants may cause a range of systemic symptoms, recently aggregated into a syndrome termed Breast Implant Illness (BII). Research literature has focused on exploring these symptoms and possible aetiologies, however, it has not been formally recognised as a medical condition. The psychosocial experience of women who self-report BII is not well understood. This review aimed to synthesise findings from qualitative literature relating to BII. A systematic review and evidence synthesis of qualitative research was conducted and analysed using thematic synthesis. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINHAL, Scopus, PsycINFO and secondary sources. Findings from nine studies were included, representing the experiences of women who had breast implants for reconstructive and cosmetic reasons. Four themes were identified: the decline in women's psychosocial wellbeing, the search for answers to their ill health, a lack of solicitude from healthcare professionals and industry, and surgery viewed as both the problem and solution. Women reported an array of distressing challenges that affected their overall quality of life. Findings highlight the need for psychosocial support and enhancing the integration of patient-entered perspectives. Further research is warranted to understand how these women can be better supported.</p>","PeriodicalId":48034,"journal":{"name":"Health Psychology Review","volume":" ","pages":"1-30"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Health Psychology Review","FirstCategoryId":"102","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2025.2503743","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
It has been postulated, but not empirically validated, that breast implants may cause a range of systemic symptoms, recently aggregated into a syndrome termed Breast Implant Illness (BII). Research literature has focused on exploring these symptoms and possible aetiologies, however, it has not been formally recognised as a medical condition. The psychosocial experience of women who self-report BII is not well understood. This review aimed to synthesise findings from qualitative literature relating to BII. A systematic review and evidence synthesis of qualitative research was conducted and analysed using thematic synthesis. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINHAL, Scopus, PsycINFO and secondary sources. Findings from nine studies were included, representing the experiences of women who had breast implants for reconstructive and cosmetic reasons. Four themes were identified: the decline in women's psychosocial wellbeing, the search for answers to their ill health, a lack of solicitude from healthcare professionals and industry, and surgery viewed as both the problem and solution. Women reported an array of distressing challenges that affected their overall quality of life. Findings highlight the need for psychosocial support and enhancing the integration of patient-entered perspectives. Further research is warranted to understand how these women can be better supported.
期刊介绍:
The publication of Health Psychology Review (HPR) marks a significant milestone in the field of health psychology, as it is the first review journal dedicated to this important and rapidly growing discipline. Edited by a highly respected team, HPR provides a critical platform for the review, development of theories, and conceptual advancements in health psychology. This prestigious international forum not only contributes to the progress of health psychology but also fosters its connection with the broader field of psychology and other related academic and professional domains. With its vital insights, HPR is a must-read for those involved in the study, teaching, and practice of health psychology, behavioral medicine, and related areas.