Background: The condition of cleft lip and palate [CLP] is considered a birth defect of the head and face and the incidence has been found to correlate with economic status. CLP is prevalent in the Northeast of Thailand, and long-term treatment has a significant impact on families’ economy and lifestyle, especially their residence, which is a factor that affects development of CLP children. Therefore, Tawanchai Foundation, faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, seeing the importance of the quality of life of CLP patients, conducted a home survey of children with CLP in Khon Kaen province, Thailand.
Objective: To survey and visit the homes of children with cleft lip and palate in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted with a group of 0 to 12-year-old children with CLP from 20 families, living in Khon Kaen province, Thailand who received treatment from Srinagarind Hospital, faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. The data was collected during the year 2017 from the families and was based on observation and semi-structured interviews that covered two aspects, namely, general baseline information of the children and a home survey. The opinions of the survey team toward the home and surrounding conditions were taken into account. The informants who provided information were the children’s caregivers. Each interview lasted 30 minutes. The data obtained was analyzed quantitatively using percentages and qualitatively by means of content analysis.
Results: There were 10 male children and 10 female children (50% each) in the research sample. Most (15 children, 75%) had unilateral cleft lip and palate, and most (9 children, 40%) were primary school level. Eight cases (40%) had families with economic problems who had needed to borrow money. Average of members in each house is 5 members (7/20 families, 35%). The greatest number of members was 12 members (1/20 families, 5%), and type of families is extended families accounted for the majority of cases (17/20 families, 85%). The survey concerning safety showed that there were 16 safe houses (80%) and 4 unsafe houses (20%). The 4 families with unsafe house need to further home visit and plan to improve their condition
Conclusion: The majority of CLP children in the present study were born into poor families. Their houses and surroundings
were not safe for living. Community leaders should provide assistance to these children’s families.

Keywords: Home visit, Cleft Lip and Palate, Children, Families