Psychosocial Health in Adults Who Have Undergone Treatment for Cleft Lip and Palate: A Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the long-term psychosocial outcomes in adults with a history of cleft lip and palate (CL/P) surgical treatment, focusing on social behavior, mental health, education, and employment.DesignA meta-analysis was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, analyzing studies that examined psychosocial objective outcomes in adults who had undergone CL/P surgery in childhood.SettingStudies were identified through Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane databases, focusing on CL/P patients compared to control groups without CL/P.PatientsThe meta-analysis includes 6 studies with a total of 838 adults who had CL/P, alongside appropriate control groups.InterventionsSurgical intervention for CL/P during childhood.Main Outcome Measure(s)Key outcomes include relationship and marital status, parenthood, highest education level achieved, employment status, and mental health indicators (anxiety and depression symptoms).ResultsAdults with CL/P showed lower rates of marriage and parenthood and exhibited higher levels of singlehood, and anxiety and depression symptoms compared to controls. However, no significant differences were noted in educational or employment achievements.ConclusionsAlthough surgical interventions improve physical outcomes, adults with CL/P continue to face significant psychosocial challenges, including higher rates of singlehood, increased anxiety and depression symptoms, and lower marriage and parenthood rates. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing psychological support for individuals with CL/P throughout adulthood. Additionally, this study highlights the importance of further research into the long-term psychosocial effects of CL/P and the impact of surgical treatment overall.