Resiliency and socioemotional functioning in youth receiving surgery for orofacial anomalies. Issue 4 (28th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ruff, Ryan Richard; Sischo, Lacey; Broder, Hillary
• Is Part Of: Community dentistry and oral epidemiology. Volume 44:Issue 4(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 371
• Page End: 380
• Publication Date: 2016-02-28
• Subjects: orofacial anomalies -- oral medicine -- psychosocial aspects of oral health; Dental public health -- Periodicals; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-5661

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Restorative interventions for cleft lip and palate involve annual evaluations, adjunct treatment, and multiple surgeries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal impact of cleft surgery on psychosocial functioning among youth with cleft. Methods: Data were derived from a 5‐year, multicenter, prospective longitudinal study of children with cleft ( N = 1196). Children completed psychological inventories for self‐concept, anxiety, depression, mastery, and relatedness. Multilevel mixed‐effects models were used to analyze the effects of craniofacial surgery for cleft on psychosocial outcomes over time. Results: There were 1196 participants at baseline, of whom 258 (27.5%) received a surgical intervention prior to their 1st follow‐up visit. Approximately 78% of participants had cleft lip and palate, and 22% had cleft palate only. Surgery receipt was significantly associated with lower relatedness (β = −1.48, 95% CI = −2.91, −0.05) and mastery (β = −1.32, 95% CI = −2.49, −0.15) scores, although overall scores appeared to increase over time. Surgery was not related to anxiety (β = −0.15, 95% CI = −1.08, 0.79), depression (β = 0.18, 95% CI = −0.65, 1.01), and self‐concept (β = −0.84, 95% CI = −1.83, 0.15). The treatment–time interaction was not significant. Significant differences in psychosocial functioning were found across sex, race/ethnicity, and age groups. Conclusions: Surgery may have negative short‐term impacts on psychosocial functioning, although effects may diminish over time. Given the limited postsurgical follow‐up period, long‐term change in psychological well‐being and the moderating effects of surgery may not be fully realized. Further follow‐up of children with cleft through adulthood to explore developmental trajectories of psychosocial functioning in more detail is recommended.