Behavioral pattern in Chinese school-aged children with cleft lip and palate
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Updated: May 14, 2026

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Published on: September 19, 2015
Pin Ha1, Xu-Qing Zhuge, Qian Zheng
1Department of Cleft Lip and Palate, West China School and Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Insights
Chinese children with cleft lip and palate show higher risks for social and academic challenges. Behavioral issues are common, with gender influencing the specific patterns observed in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Craniofacial Anomalies Research
Background:
- Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a common congenital condition affecting psychosocial development.
- Understanding behavioral patterns in affected children is crucial for early intervention and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the behavioral patterns of school-aged children with CLP in China.
- To identify specific psychosocial risks and competencies associated with CLP.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 93 children (6-11 years) with CLP was compared to 100 age- and gender-matched controls.
- Psychosocial checklists were derived from medical records and compared to norms and controls.
- Risk evaluation was conducted for three diagnostic groups.
Main Results:
- Children with CLP demonstrated lower social and academic competencies, particularly those with visible facial differences or speech impairments.
- No significant differences were noted in activity competency between groups.
- Elevated behavioral problems were observed in all CLP patients, with gender-specific variations in problem types.
Conclusions:
- Chinese school-aged children with CLP face increased risks for social and academic difficulties.
- The manifestation of behavioral problems in children with CLP is gender-dependent.
Objective:
To obtain descriptive information of behavioral pattern in Chinese school-aged children with cleft lip and palate.
Methods:
A total of 93 cleft lip and palate patients between the age of 6-11 year-old and treated at West China Stomatology Hospital were selected. And another 100 unaffected controls, matched for age and gender, were recruited randomly from a common primary school in Chengdu. Chart review of medical records was used to obtain psychosocial checklists. Scores were compared with published norms and controls to evaluate the risk of problems, separately for three diagnostic groups.
Results:
The patients group had lower scores of social and academic competencies, especially those with facial deformity or speech problem. No difference was found in the aspect of activity competency. All patients showed elevations in behavior problems. But the type of behavior problems varied in different genders.
Conclusions:
Chinese school-aged children with cleft lip and palate are at raised risk for social and academic difficulties. Specific pattern of behavior problems displays differently depending on gender of the patient.
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