A qualitative study of health-related quality of life and psychosocial adjustments of Thai adolescents with repaired cleft lips and palates
Chimruang, J.; Soadmanee, O.; Srisilapanan, P.; Patjanasoontorn, N.; Nanthavanich, N.; Chuawanlee, W.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 94(Suppl 6): S45-S50
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 22423415 Document Number: 10591
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). 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. 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. 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.