Oral health‐related quality of life in young Cambodian children: a validation study with a focus on children with cleft lip and/or palate

Background Oral Health‐Related Quality‐of‐Life (OHRQoL) measures have been developed and cross‐culturally validated for use in many populations in recent years. Their use in children with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP), however, is not as well established. Aim This study aimed to validate two OHRQoL instruments for use with Cambodian children and to describe the OHRQoL of a sample of Cambodian children with CLP, compared with other children in the same cohort. Methods A convenience sample of 133 children aged 2–8 years and their families was recruited from two NGO health services in urban and rural areas of Cambodia. Children were assigned into clinical groups of cleft, malocclusion, severe caries (PUFA ≥ 1), and dentine caries. OHRQoL was measured using the Parental‐Caregivers Perception Questionnaire (P‐CPQ‐16) and Family Impact Scale (FIS‐8). Results The validity of the instruments was acceptable with an expected gradient in both scale scores being evident across self‐reported oral health ratings. Children with CLP and their families experienced significantly greater impacts on OHRQoL, and the pattern of these impacts differed among the clinical groups. Conclusions This study has confirmed the validity of the P‐CPQ‐16 and FIS‐8 for use with young Cambodian children. The results impart advocacy for needed improvements in the care of children with CLP and provide a foundation for future epidemiological research of oral health in Cambodia.