Evaluation of body image and self-esteem of children with and without liver transplantation and healthy children

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the body image and self-esteem of children with and without liver transplantation and healthy children. Material and method: This study was conducted between August 2023 and March 2024 with children aged 8-12 years who were studying at Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center Liver Transplant Institute, Child Health and Diseases polyclinic and services (endocrine, neurology, hematology-oncology-nephrology), and a primary/secondary school selected by lot from among the schools in Malatya province. The study was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional correlational study. 120 children participated in the study. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, Body Appreciation Scale for Children, and Coopersmith Self-Esteem Scale. In the analysis of the data, mean, percentage, chi-square analysis, Kruskall Wallis in independent groups, Mann Whitney U test, One Way ANOVA, independent samples test and Pearson correlation analysis were used. Results: It was determined that the average age of the children participating in the study was 10.01, and %55 of them were male. It was determined that the median self-esteem score of healthy children was 19, 18.5 in those with liver transplants, 18 in children with chronic diseases, and the median body appreciation scale score was 43 in healthy children, 42.5 in children with liver transplants and 40.5 in children with other chronic diseases. It was determined that the medians of self-esteem (18.5 > 18) and body appreciation scale (42.5 > 40.5) of children with liver transplants were higher than those of children with other chronic diseases. In the correlation analysis, it was determined that there was a positive, moderate and significant relationship between the median scores of children's self-esteem and body appreciation scale (p<0.05, r=0.489). Conclusion: Children with liver transplants and other chronic diseases have lower self-esteem and body appreciation levels than healthy children. There is a significant relationship between children's self-esteem and body appreciation scale scores.