Quality of Life of Mothers of Children born with Cleft Palate in Jordan

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to investigate sociodemographic predictors of quality of life of mothers of children with cleft palate, and to compare quality of life between mothers of children without cleft palate and those of children without cleft palate in Jordan. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted at one specialized Cleft Palate Unit using convenience sample of 312 mothers of children with and without cleft palate. The study used a self-reported questionnaire of two parts; socio-demographic; and WHOQOL- BREFF, Arabic version respectively. Analysis revealed that there was significant difference in environmental quality of life between mother with cleft palate child and those without cleft palate child. Mother’s physical quality of life was significantly predicted by their age, and educational level. Mother’s environmental quality of life was significantly predicted by their social status, and educational level. in conclusion mothers of children with CLP need psychosocial support at societal and institutional levels. Counselling and enhancement of positive coping mechanism are among the most important topics to be addressed to improve mothers' quality of life.