Validity and reliability of the COHIP-SF in Australian children with orofacial cleft

To measure the validity and reliability of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form (COHIP-SF) in Australian children with orofacial cleft (OFC) and to evaluate the need for a proxy report.

Children with OFC and their proxy completed a COHIP-SF questionnaire. Items were divided into oral health, functional and socio-emotional subscales, and scores on all subscales were compared between and within groups.

A total of 222 children (average age 11.3, SD = 3.5, range 8.0-14.0) and 215 proxies completed the COHIP-SF, with similar mean scores of 50.8 (SD = 13.7) and 48.1 (SD = 14.0). Excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.9) and convergent validity was evident (P < 0.001); however, discriminant validity was weaker. There was strong correlation between child and proxy reports (Pearson's r = 0.7), and intraclass correlation coefficients were high indicating good child/proxy agreement. Older children had poor socio-emotional well-being (P < 0.004), and children with bilateral cleft lip and palate (CL/P) and velopharyngeal insufficiency/submucous cleft (VPI/SMC) had poor functional well-being. Those with private health insurance reported better oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) (P < 0.05).

The COHIP-SF is a valid and reliable measure for measuring OHRQoL in Australian children with OFC. Proxy reports did not add further information regarding a child's OHRQoL.