Psychosocial outcomes in children with hemifacial microsomia
Lynette M Dufton1, Matthew L Speltz, Judith P Kelly
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, WA, USA. lynettedufton@gmail.com
Insights
Children with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) face increased psychosocial challenges. Teachers noted more internalizing issues and lower social competence in these children compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Developmental Psychology
- Craniofacial Anomalies
Background:
- Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a congenital condition affecting facial development.
- Understanding the psychosocial impact of HFM is crucial for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk of psychosocial problems in children with hemifacial microsomia (HFM).
Main Methods:
- Compared 136 children with HFM to 568 matched controls.
- Utilized parent and teacher reports on behavior, social competence, and peer acceptance.
Main Results:
- Teacher-reported internalizing problems, lower social competence, and peer rejection were higher in children with HFM.
- Outcomes were particularly worse for female cases, those with eye anomalies, or additional malformations.
Conclusions:
- This study offers initial evidence of poorer psychosocial outcomes for children with HFM.
- Highlights the need for targeted psychosocial support for affected children.
Objective:
To determine whether children with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) have higher risk for psychosocial problems than children without HFM.
Methods:
One hundred and thirty-six children with HFM (64% male, mean age = 6.9 years) were compared to 568 matched controls (50% male, mean age = 7.0 years) on parent and teacher measures of behavior problems and social competence, and teacher rankings of peer acceptance.
Results:
Parents of cases and controls reported similar levels of behavior problems and social competence. Teachers reported higher frequencies of internalizing problems, lower social competence and less peer acceptance for cases. Relative to controls, teacher-rated outcomes were worse for female cases, those with younger mothers at the time of birth, those with eye anomalies, and those with one or more malformations in addition to the core features of HFM.
Conclusions:
This study provides the first evidence of relatively poor psychosocial outcomes among children with HFM.
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