A Qualitative Study of Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychosocial Adjustments of Thai Adolescents with Repaired Cleft Lips and Palates
Jutharat Chimruang PhD Candidate*, Omduean Soadmanee PhD*, Patcharawan Srisilapanan PhD**, Niramol Patjanasoontorn MD***, Nuntinee Nanthavanich MDSc****, Wiladlak Chuawanlee PhD*
Affiliation : * Behavioral Science Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Family and Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand *** Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand **** Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : The purposes of the present study were (1) to study the meaning of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) from
the insider’s perspective and (2) to explore the relevant psychosocial adjustments involved in the HRQoL of Thai 12-to-17-
year-old adolescents with repaired cleft lip and cleft palate (CLP).
Material and Method: The study included a sample of 18 adolescents with non-syndromic repaired CLP and 6 parents of
these adolescents. The participants were recruited from an orthodontic clinic in the Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University,
and all were in-depth interviewed.
Results : HRQoL can be categorized into four domains: physical symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well-being and
social well-being. In the affected group they were striking differences in psychological assets, psychosocial resources and
socioeconomic disparities. The majority of these participants were well-adjusted and able to cope with the adversities they
experienced as a result of their conditions; hence it was noted that, participants with consistent support from parents, friends
and professionals were likely to have a positive health status and satisfaction with treatment.
Conclusion : These findings have important implications in measuring a multidimensional HRQoL construct , and will
enhance issues regarding adaptation strategies which have an impact on HRQoL of adolescents with CLP.
Keywords : Health-Related Quality of life, Cleft lip, Cleft palate, CLP
