Satisfaction of Speech and Treatment for Children with Cleft Lip/Palate in Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Benjamas Prathanee PhD*, Tawitree Pumnum BSc*, Pechcharat Jaiyong BSc*, Cholada Seepuaham BSc*, Vieng Xayasin TN**
Affiliation : * Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Background : Surgical treatment and speech therapy for people with cleft lip and palate (CLP) in the Lao People’s Democratic
Republic (Lao PDR) are either limited or not available in some areas. There continue to be patients needing surgical
correction for abnormalities but they are past the age when surgery would be appropriate. Moreover, they have not been
given speech services or received integrative multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment.
Objective : To explore satisfaction on speech and treatment outcomes, as well as the further treatment needs for CLP in Lao
PDR.
Material and Method: A literature review was undertaken and a background conducted on the problems of services for CLP
in Lao PDR. A questionnaire was then developed to explore the magnitude of effects on speech and treatment outcomes as well
as further treatment needs for CLP.
Results : Average scoring of children with CLP speech and configuration indicated that they have the least satisfaction with
articulation and figure of lips. The majority of caregivers and patients agreed that correction of articulation defects was the
aspect of their care most needing further treatment.
Conclusion : Satisfaction with speech and treatment outcomes was critical issues in Lao PDR requiring development of an
appropriate therapy model for children with CLP.
Keywords : Satisfaction, Speech outcome, Treatment outcome, Speech service, Developing countries
