Quality of life of individuals with cleft lip and palate pre- and post-surgical correction of dentofacial deformity

Abstract

Objective: To assesses the quality of life and the impact of oral health conditions in the pre- and post-surgical correction of dentofacial deformity of individuals with cleft lip and palate. Method: Quantitative and prospective study in a referral hospital in the period from June 2011 to May 2013. A total of 50 participants responded the questionnaires World Health Organization Quality of Life - Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) and Oral Health Impact Profile - 14 (OHIP-14), approximately 3 days before and 3 to 12 months after surgery. The "t" test for paired samples and Wilcoxon test were used for statistical analysis with a significance level of 5%. Results: After surgery, differences were found in the domains: Physical, Psychological, Environmental and General Questions of the WHOQOL-Bref and domains: Psychological Discomfort, Psychological Disability, Social Disability, Handicap and Overall Score of OHIP-14. Conclusion: Surgical correction of dentofacial deformity improved quality of life and had positive impact of oral health condition.