EFFECTS OF SENSORY DISTURBANCES IN CLEFT LIP AND PALATE PATIENTS

• Published in: Pakistan oral & dental journal 2014-12, Vol.34 (4)
• Main Authors: Idris, Shujaat Hasan, Gul, Nazli, Azhar, Shujaat, ALI SHAH BDS, Afzal, Sonia, Aftab, Maheen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Children & youth; Cleft lip; Congenital diseases; Defects; Mouth; Physiological aspects; Psychological aspects; Surveys
• ISSN: 1012-8700; 1996-4439

This study aimed at assessing the effects of sensory disturbances in patients diagnosed with cleft lip and palate (CLP) in Lahore. The age range of the study sample was 15 years and below. The survey was conducted at a private hospital of Lahore in 2014. A cross-sectional survey was carried out. All children aged 15 years and below who were diagnosed with Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) were included in the sample. All other age groups and patients who came to the hospital with people other than their parents were excluded. The data for this study were collected by carrying out an interview with the parents of the patients using a pre-tested questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions pertaining to the daily activities of the children and depression. Satisfaction of parents and family towards their child's appearance was also assessed as well as other peoples' satisfaction towards the appearance was seen. Actual depression was not measured however the depression like symptoms were noted and were considered to be the former for this study. Data analysis was done using the IBM SPSS version 20. The results showed the CLP patients having the highest frequency (44.4%) of the condition in children less than 5 years followed by 5-10 year old (8.5%) and 10-15 year old children (17.1%). Restriction of school activities was seen to be highest among 5-10yr olds (p=0.000). Chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant association between discomfort in eating, sensory disturbances, and depression like symptoms (p=0.026). Family satisfaction towards the child's appearance was related to depression and sensory disturbances and this was also significant (p=0.069). Parent's satisfaction (p=0.025) and other peoples' satisfaction (p=0.01) towards the child was also significant and also led to depression. A highly significant relationship was found between pain and sensory disturbances (p=0.001); restriction of school activities and patient age (p=0.000); and sensory disturbances depression and difficulty in sleep (p=0.000). CLP can lead to poor psychosocial functioning in children mainly causing depression behavior problems low self-esteem and anxiety timely treatment options and psychosocial support is mandatory for such children to improve their lives.