Table 3 Results of multivariate generalized estimating equation of factors associated with the change in body image after breast surgery ( N = 120)

Age*

0.32

-0.38;0.83

0.37

Marital status

Married

-9.43

-15.2; -1.02

0.01

Education level

Secondary school or higher

3.26

-4.62; 7.28

0.54

Employment

No

9.68

-19.2;1.49

0.48

Nationality

Lebanese

10.56

-2.6;4.27

0.41

BMI*

0.67

-0.18;1.53

0.12

Menopause

No

5.19

-9.33;19.7

0.25

Comorbidities

No

0.70

-6.64;8.05

0.85

Family history of BC

No

5.78

-4.03;15.6

0.24

Stage

I

-8.9

-19.77;5.92

0.13

Tumor size

T1

6.32

-10.86; 9.08

0.59

Lymph node status

N0

1.95

-5.79;8.21

0.73

Body image*

-0.38

-0.56;-0.19

< 0.001

Future perspective*

0.12

0.01;0.23

0.02

General fatigue*

1.34

-0.20;2.89

0.09

Physical fatigue*

0.82

-0.50;2.14

0.22

Reduced activity*

-1.96

-3.71;0.21

0.07

Reduced Motivation*

-0.91

-2.30;0.48

0.99

Mental fatigue*

-0.75

-2.14;0.63

0.28

LOT global score *

0.31

-0.31;0.94

0.32