Chief Investigator
Dr Ansa Akram
Institution
University of Bristol
Dates
Jul-2013 to Apr-2017
Funding Stream
Above and Beyond Spring 2013
Amount
£4,922
Summary
The aim of this study is to better understand the effect of a
cleft lip and palate on an individual's oral health and quality of
life. The treatment pathway for cleft takes place across infancy,
early childhood, adolescence and into adulthood and this can affect
activities such as cleaning the teeth, eating, speaking, smiling,
social interaction, self-esteem and wellbeing.
I will undertake a systematic review of studies that have
investigated the impact of a cleft lip and palate on oral health
and quality of life. This will identify the gaps in our knowledge
and inform the development of the questionnaire.
I will organise three single sex focus groups (one each for age
groups 11-12, 15-16 and 19-21 years) and invite people born with a
cleft to attend a group with others of a similar age. The aim of
these group discussions will be to identify important issues about
oral health, treatment for the cleft and quality of life at various
time points in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. This
will help us to develop age appropriate questionnaires that can be
used before, during and after treatment. These will show how
patients feel about their treatment and its outcome on their oral
health and quality of life and will enable health care
professionals to provide treatment plans that are appropriate for
each age group.
