Development and Preliminary Outcomes of a Parent-Led Intervention for Malaysian School-Age Children With Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

PURPOSE: Children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) face psychosocial and communication challenges that may hinder peer relationships and emotional well-being. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the preliminary outcomes of the Module Klefiden, a parent-led intervention designed to improve psychosocial and communication functioning in Malaysian school-age children with CL/P.

METHOD: Module activities were developed through the Nominal Group Technique (n = 12) and validated by an expert panel (n = 8). The module was then evaluated through a feasibility study with 10 parents, followed by preliminary outcomes involving 17 children.

RESULTS

The Module Klefiden comprises 14 culturally tailored, strength-based activities addressing stigma, teasing, and resilience building. The content validity of the module was high (0.86). The feasibility study showed that most parents found the Module Klefiden practicable and acceptable, as indicated by the results of the Treatment Evaluation Inventory-Short Form (M = 37.08). In the preliminary outcomes study, the module was evaluated before and after the intervention in four domains of the Cleft Lip and/or Palate Questionnaire (CLEFT-Q). The experimental group showed significant improvements in psychological function (Z = -2.668, p = .008, r = .889) and speech distress (Z = -2.201, p = .028, r = .734). Both groups showed improvements in social participation (experimental: Z = -2.392, p = .017, r = .797; control: Z = -2.375, p = .018, r = .840). Qualitative data highlighted the children's increased confidence in discussing their cleft condition. At school, children still favored physical activities over speech-related tasks.

CONCLUSIONS

The Module Klefiden shows promise in improving psychosocial and communication outcomes in children with CL/P. Its structured, parent-led approach fosters emotional resilience and self-assurance, addressing a critical gap in cleft care in Malaysia. Future research should explore its long-term, large-scale application.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.31894306.