Advisor(s)

Chung How Kau

Committee Member(s)

Ejvis Lamani
Hope Amm
Terpsithea Christou

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

1-27-2026

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry (MSDent)

School

School of Dentistry

Department

Dentistry

Abstract

Introduction:This study aimed to examine psychosocial outcomes in adults with cleft lip and palate (CL/P), focusing on how cleft severity (unilateral versus bilateral) influences depression, anxiety, social functioning, oral health–related quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment outcomes. Individuals born with clefts often continue to face psychosocial challenges even after surgical repair, and limited research has compared how these outcomes differ by cleft type in adulthood. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional design was used, including 24 adults aged 18 years and older who had undergone cleft repair and were finished or in active orthodontic treatment at UAB. Participants completed an online survey that included validated self- report measures: the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) for depressive symptoms, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety, the Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) for perceived social functioning, the Oral Health Impact Profile-5 (OHIP-5) for oral health–related quality of life, and the Cleft Evaluation Profile (CEP) for satisfaction with cleft treatment outcomes. Results:Participants with bilateral clefts reported significantly higher depressive symptoms and lower satisfaction with treatment compared to those with unilateral clefts. No significant difference was found in anxiety between the two groups; however, iii individuals with bilateral clefts reported poorer social functioning. Employment status was significantly associated with oral health–related quality of life—unemployed participants had higher OHIP-5 scores, indicating poorer outcomes, while those employed full time reported better overall oral health–related quality of life. Conclusion:These findings suggest that individuals with bilateral clefts experience more emotional and social challenges and are less satisfied with their treatment outcomes compared to those with unilateral clefts. Employment status also appears to play an important role in posttreatment quality of life. This study highlights the need for continued psychosocial support and the use of validated measures to capture mental health, social functioning, and satisfaction among adults living with repaired cleft lip and palate.

ProQuest Publication Number

32283493

ISBN

9798273349643

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