Evaluation of Growth Indicators and Quality of Life in Children with Cleft Lip/Palate After Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Oral clefts are a group of relatively common congenital anomalies, among which cleft lip and cleft palate (CLP) represent one of the major forms.

Methods: This study was conducted among patients with CLP. A total of 70 patients who had undergone CLP-related surgery were enrolled in the study. The study instrument consisted of several sections assessing demographic characteristics and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire The collected data were then analyzed and compared using SPSS software, version 18.

Result: Based on the findings, 70 patients were enrolled in the study. Sixty percent of the participants were male, and the largest age group was 6–9 years (36.7%). Regarding parental education, 38.3% of fathers had a secondary education level, while 43.3% of mothers had completed primary education. The mean (SD) of the total OHIP-14 score before surgery was 45.60 (2.30). Post-operatively, this score significantly decreased to 30.21 (8.33), indicating a substantial improvement in the patients’ quality of life following the surgical procedure. Findings revealed a reduction in scores across all seven domains of the OHIP-14 questionnaire post-surgery, reflecting a significant enhancement in the patients’ OHRQoL. This improvement was statistically significant in all dimensions (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Given the significant post-surgical improvement in OHRQoL, it is highly recommended that reconstructive surgeries and associated rehabilitative care be prioritized to optimize the quality of life for patients with CLPA.

Keywords:

Cleft lip and palate (CLP), Oral health-related quality of life, Children, Adolescents, Surgery, Oral health

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