Improving Social and Life Skills in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate
Chonprai C, MSc1, Rod-ong D, MSN2, Maneeganondh S, MSN2, Jaruensook W, BSW3, Theeyoung A, BSW3, Patjanasoontorn N, MD1
Affiliation : 1 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Division of Nursing, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 3 Department of Social Worker, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) have problems with mental and social development such as slow learning,
shyness or lack of self-confidence, acceptance of friends, and a higher possibility of isolation. Therefore, Tawanchai Center arranged
a camp in order to improve life and social skills for children with CLP as well as to promote understanding and participation of the
guardians and educational staffs in terms of the patients’ treatment.
Objective : To compare pre and post evaluation scores of life and social skills in project complete service for patients with CLP.
Materials and Methods : This is a descriptive research project which evaluates the complete-service camp to treat children with
CLP. There are 9 children (age 4 to 10 years) with CLP, 9 guardians, and 8 teachers were recruited to study. The tools were general
information questionnaires, pre- and post-evaluation of the life and social skills, and in-depth semi-structured interviews. For data
analysis, percentage and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to compare the pre- and post-evaluation scores as well as content
analysis.
Results : The participants had significantly higher scores of life skills and social skills after participating in the camp (95% CI = 0.00
to 0.28, median difference = 1; 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.28, median difference = 1 respectively). For the descriptive results after the content
analysis, the guardians and teachers understood the problems and were aware of the importance of the promotion of life and social
skills for children and also developed methods to arrange activities to promote life and social skills.
Conclusion : The participation in the camp boosted children with CLP’s life and social skills, post-evaluation scores were higher
statistically significantly than pre-evaluation scores.
Keywords : Social and life skills, CLP, Children
