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Parental response to the feeding behavior problems in children with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review
Sukeshana Srivastav1, Isha Duggal1, Ritu Duggal1
1Division of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Deformities, Centre for Dental Education and Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Parents of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) often report dissatisfaction with medical advice and support. This review highlights parental anxiety and low self-esteem, underscoring the need for improved resources for CLP families.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric healthcare
- Genetics and developmental biology
- Psychology and behavioral sciences
Background:
- Feeding problems are common in infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP).
- Parental responses to these challenges significantly impact family well-being and infant outcomes.
- Existing literature on parental experiences with CLP feeding issues requires comprehensive synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze global parental responses to feeding problems in children with cleft lip and palate (CLP).
- To identify gaps in medical advice and support provided to CLP families.
- To offer recommendations for future research directions.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines up to July 27, 2020.
- Eight studies evaluating parental responses to feeding problems in CLP patients were included.
- Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed using standardized tools.
Main Results:
- Most included studies were from Europe and utilized validated questionnaires.
- A majority of parents reported dissatisfaction with the information and support received.
- Parental anxiety and low self-esteem were frequently reported issues.
Conclusions:
- There is a consistent lack of adequate medical advice and support for families with cleft lip and palate (CLP).
- Parental anxiety and diminished self-esteem are significant concerns in this population.
- Further well-designed, global research is essential to fully understand and address parental needs.
Objective:
To assess and analyze the global status of parental responses to feeding problems in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and to provide recommendations for future research.
Design:
A priori protocol was formulated according to PRISMA guidelines and registered. The predefined search strategy was used in established search engines up to July 27, 2020 without any restriction of language or year of publication. Studies evaluating the parental responses to feeding problems in patients with CLP were included. The data extraction was performed with a self-designed form, and risk of bias (ROB) was assessed.
Results:
Out of 27 identified papers, eight studies could be included. Most were from Europe, conducted between 1994 and 2020, and had utilized valid and reliable questionnaires. The included studies showed moderate or low ROB. The majority of the studies reported parental dissatisfaction with the knowledge provided. The presence of anxiety and low self-esteem among parents was also highlighted.
Conclusions:
There was general consensus regarding lack of medical advice and support for CLP families, along with the presence of anxiety and low self-esteem among parents. Well-designed studies from different regions of the world must be conducted in the future for an accurate global picture to be presented.

