A Study On The Status Of Appearance Anxiety And Its Influential Factors In Patients Undergoing Injectable Cosmetic Procedures

Background:With the advancement of socio-economic,cultural,and technological development in China,attention to physical appearance has also escalated.The rise of the "appearance economy" and the media’s promotion and shaping of aesthetic standards have led to the emergence of "appearance anxiety" among those seeking beauty.Injectable cosmetic surgery,a treatment method specifically aimed at rejuvenating appearance,has been increasingly accepted and recognized due to its fast results and non-invasive nature.However,the brief duration,high cost,and limited persistence of injectable cosmetic treatments,coupled with patients’ intense expectations for treatment outcomes,have heightened demands for treatment details.Current research has yet to fully understand the state of appearance anxiety in the injectable cosmetic population and whether it triggers injectable medical behavior.This study aims to deeply understand the level and influencing factors of appearance anxiety in the injectable cosmetic population,to provide theoretical and practical support for delivering high-quality,humanistic,and empathetic medical services,enhancing patients’ sense of medical safety,and improving their medical experience.Objectives:1.Describe the state of appearance anxiety in injectable cosmetic patients;2.Explore the factors influencing appearance anxiety in injectable cosmetic patients.Methods:A convenience sampling method was adopted,selecting 296 patients who received treatment from September to December 2022 at the Aesthetic Surgery Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire,covering 1)basic information such as gender,age,occupation,and education;2)cosmetic surgery history,including the type and frequency of procedures;and 3)a social appearance anxiety questionnaire.All data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0.Descriptive statistics were initially performed,followed by univariate analysis using independent samples t-test and chi-square test.Subsequently,Spearman correlation analysis was performed,and finally,multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the impact of various factors on the score of appearance anxiety.All statistical tests were set at an alpha level of 0.05.Results:The average age of injectable cosmetic patients was 34.61±8.12 years,with females accounting for 89.86%,those aged over 30 accounting for 70.95%,and those with a bachelor’s degree accounting for 52.02%.The total average score of the appearance anxiety questionnaire was 2.45±0.86.The average score of appearance anxiety in females(2.45±0.86)was higher than that in males(2.43±0.76).Factors such as age,history of cosmetic and injectable cosmetic surgery,clarity of treatment goals,choice of treatment projects,motivations for injectable cosmetics,and the use of social media all influenced the scores of appearance anxiety.Single-factor analysis showed significant differences in the overall level of appearance anxiety in terms of age(z=-1,874,p=0.048)and facial wrinkle removal treatment(z=-2.289 p=0.022).Spearman correlation analysis showed that age(r=-0.115)and facial wrinkle removal treatment(r=-0.133)were negatively correlated with appearance anxiety.Linear regression analysis showed that facial wrinkle removal(β=-0200,t=2.923)and facial depression filling(β=0.132,t=1.993)had significant explanatory power for the level of appearance anxiety.Conclusion:1)The level of appearance anxiety in injectable cosmetic patients is at a moderate level,indicating that patients can recognize and face their appearance needs.2)Patients of different genders,ages,occupations,and educational levels have different levels of appearance anxiety.The level of appearance anxiety decreases with age and is higher in female patients.3)There are differences in the level of appearance anxiety among patients undergoing facial wrinkle removal and facial depression filling.The level of appearance anxiety is higher in patients with a history of cosmetic and injectable cosmetic surgery,undergoing facial contouring and face-thinning treatment,undergoing injectable cosmetic treatment multiple times within a year,influenced by social environment for treatment,and frequently using social media.