Objective: Our aim was to determine the patterns of family care for children with cleft lip/palate in northeastern Thailand

Material and Methods: This was a qualitative study on the parents of children with cleft lip/palate, coming for follow up at the Tawanchai Center, Srinagarind Hospital. Twenty-one parents underwent in-depth interviews regarding the pattern of care vis-à-vis their children between September and November, 2018. All data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: The patterns of family care to children with cleft lip/palate varied, depending on the context and the limitations of each family. There was a main caregiver in each family, mostly female (mother or grandmother). Financial problems was the most common burden. The most common concerns were social issues and hereditary penetrance of the disease. Family adaptations included education, family structure, and helping children with socialization.    

Conclusion: The family care patterns for children with cleft lip/palate were similar vis-à-vis burdens, concerns, and adaptations. By contrast, the family structure varied, depending on the context and limitations of the family.