Affiliation:
1. Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
2. Mathematics and Statistics Research Group, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
3. Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
Abstract
Background Individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) may grow up with a visible facial difference, alongside speech and/or hearing challenges. Self-perceptions are stronger predictors of psychosocial adjustment than objective assessments, highlighting the importance of patient-reported outcome measures. Previously titled the Satisfaction with Appearance (SwA) questionnaire, the Cleft Hearing, Appearance and Speech Questionnaire (CHASQ) has been used in several countries to assess patient satisfaction, guide clinical decision-making, and conduct craniofacial research, but has lacked general population norms from which to draw comparisons. The aim of this study was to contribute to the development of norms by utilising existing data collected in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2004 using the original SwA. Methods SwA data collected from school pupils ( n = 761) aged 10–16 years were analysed across age and gender. Results Hair, Eyes and Ears received the highest ratings, while Teeth received the lowest ratings. Those who were younger, and those who were male, generally rated their appearance more favourably. Thresholds are proposed to identify young people in need of clinical monitoring (10%) and intervention (5%). Discussion This study supports the potential of the CHASQ as a clinically useful outcome measure and research tool with the ability to identify appearance concerns in relation to specific facial features, as well as overall appearance satisfaction in young people with and without CL/P. Further validation of its use in the CL/P population and other patient groups, as well as countries outside the UK would add additional weight to the CHASQ's utility.
Reference28 articles.
1. NHS England. NHS standard contract for cleft lip and/or palate services, including non-cleft VPD (all ages). 2013. Available at: www.england.nhs.uk. Accessed August 2021.
2. European Cleft Organisation. Early care services for babies born with cleft lip and/or palate. 2015. Available at: www.europeancleft.org. Accessed August 2021.
3. Promoting Psychosocial Adjustment in Individuals Born With Cleft Lip and/or Palate and Their Families: Current Clinical Practice in the United Kingdom