BACKGROUND

Cleft lip and palate are the most common malformation in the orofacial region. The type and dimension of the cleft determine the functional limitations of respiration, swallowing, speech, articulation and hearing. In addition, cosmetic and communicative restrictions influence the cognitive, social and educational progress and the wellbeing of the children affected. Their parents face a difficult and lasting task: They have to cope with their child's handicap and the current standardised treatment procedures which start in early infancy. To guarantee optimum therapeutic success parents must be included as co-therapists. Therefore more information about parents' concerns and coping strategies are required.

METHOD

To assess the strain put on parents of children with cleft lip and palate as well as the parents' coping strategies, a standardised questionnaire for the German-speaking parents was used during consultation in the out-patient clinic. RESULTS. In comparison with parents of children with other handicaps, the parents of children with cleft lip and palate feel less stressed out and adopt strategies of coping such as intensification of partnership, use of social support, as well as self-respect and fulfillment. Working mothers are less preoccupied and less at risk of being focussed on the handicapped child only. In comparison, the parents of children with Orofacial clefts focus less on the handicapped child in general than those parents whose children suffer from additional behavioural disorders.

DISCUSSION

Though several functional, behavioural and psychological disorders may occur in children with cleft lip and palate their parents feel comparatively little stress. They do use a variety of coping strategies and tend to adopt a rather positive approach. Certainly, additional disorders of the child lead to more parental stress and likewise requiring more attention to the child which may even accentuate existing behavioural disorders.

CONCLUSION

Parents of children with cleft lip and palate experience less stress in comparison with parents of children with other handicaps. Therapeutic efforts and regular check of the child's progress might support parents' coping strategies. Therapists should also ask for additional disorders such as behavioural disorders and initiate adequate support.