Psychological Implications of Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) in Children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although quality of life (QOL) is becoming an important outcome measure in research on children with CLP in Western countries, there is very little information available on this aspect in children with CLP in India.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the self-concept and QOL of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) patient and to compare it with age matched non CLP patients.

METHODS: Self-concept and QOL were assessed using the Self Concept Scale (SCS) and Pediatric Quality of Life inventory. Total of 160 subjects were divided into 4 age groups of each containing 40 subjects i.e., group 1 (7-10 years), group 2 (11- 13years), group 3 (14-16years) and group 4 (16-24years). In each age group, 20 were CLP subjects and the other 20 were non CLP subjects

RESULTS: The CLP subjects had lower self-concept scores than the non-CLP subjects. The self-concept scores showed a decreased trend in CLP subjects across the group from age 7-10 years to subjects > 16 years. The quality of life score in CLP subjects was lower than that in the non CLP subjects. A statistically significant lower quality of life score was seen in adult cleft group compared to non CLP group.

CONCLUSION: The self-concept and quality of life scores were significantly lower in older age CLP subjects compared to non CLP subjects. JMS 2012;15(2):115-18