Quality of Life in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate Aged 0 to 7 Years Born at Hipólito Unanue Hospital of Tacna - Perú, 2016 - 2023

Abstract

Objective: To determine the quality of life in children aged 0 to 7 years with cleft lip and palate (CLP) born at Hipólito Unanue Hospital from 2016-2023. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, non-experimental, quantitative study. The population consisted of 44 children diagnosed with CLP. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling method was used. For evaluation, a data collection form and the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) questionnaire, validated by expert judgment, were
utilized. The questionnaire was administered to the parent who had the closest relationship with the child. Results: The oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was reported as negative in 70.5% and positive in 29.5% of children with CLP, based on parental perception. Regarding classification, 75.0% presented primary and secondary palatal clefts. For this group, the impact on OHRQoL was negative in 63.6%. The total mean ECOHIS score was 30.66±6.52, with the "child impact" domain showing a higher mean (16.95±5.30). Within this domain, the "functional limitations" category was the most affected (8.84±2.57). By age, 4-year-old children showed the highest prevalence of negative impact (15.9%), while by sex, males exhibited a greater negative impact (45.5%). Conclusion: It was determined that children aged 0 to 7 years with CLP experience a 70.5% negative impact on their OHRQoL.