Oral health-related quality of life of children with repaired cleft lip and palate in Yaounde, Cameroon: A cross-sectional study

Background: Further care needs and impact of repaired cleft lip and palate (CLP) on the daily life of children are unknown in our setting, since many of them are lost to follow-up after surgery. Aim: To assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children with repaired CLP and to identify the main issues that deserve additional care. Methods: We carried out a single-center, cross-sectional study of 27 children (mean age: 7.74 ± 0.7 years; 16 girls) operated for CLP and 30 healthy controls (mean age: 8.03 ± 0.7 years; 15 girls). Self and proxy-rated OHRQoL was assessed by the child oral health impact profile, a reliable and valid questionnaire designed for use with children and teenagers. Results: Patients had lower quality of life scores than controls for functional well-being (22.1 ± 1.2 vs. 27.9 ± 0.74;P< 0.001), emotional well-being (32.3 ± 1.4 vs. 37.3 ± 0.6; P = 0.002), and self-esteem (24.4 ± 0.9 vs. 29.2 ± 0.4;P< 0.001). Redo surgeries (n = 10) and a visible facial difference (n = 17) were the main depreciative determinants of the OHRQoL, particularly for emotional well-being (30.2 ± 1.7 vs. 35.2 ± 1.4;P= 0.003 and 29.6 ± 1.8 vs. 36.8 ± 1.3; P = 0.003; respectively). Conclusion: Children with repaired CLP have a lower OHRQoL than their healthy peers. Psychosocial care, orthodontics, and speech therapy are the main needs for further care aimed at improving their quality of life.