Reduced Orofacial Health and Esthetics, but Perception of Good Generic Health and Quality of Life in Middle-Aged Patients with UCLP.

ObjectiveDescribe self-perceived health and quality of life in middle-aged adults with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP).DesignQuestionnaire study.SettingMultidisciplinary care at a Norwegian university hospital and department of clinical dentistry.ParticipantsTwenty-one adults (37-44 years) with UCLP, operated on by the same surgeon and followed to early adulthood according to a standardized protocol.OutcomesOral-specific health, orofacial esthetics, generic health and overall quality of life. Independent variables: Coping, self-esteem, perceived social support and socio-demography.ResultsParticipants reported significantly poorer oral-specific health and lower satisfaction with orofacial esthetics than population norms. Functional limitations and difficulties related to speech and eating were most prominent. Regarding appearance, they were least satisfied with facial profile, mouth, and visible teeth. Generic health scores were comparable to norms; however, despite persistent orofacial concerns, participants reported significantly higher overall quality of life than the general population. Participants reported low avoidant coping, good self-esteem, and high perceived social support. Better oral-specific health and lower satisfaction with orofacial appearance were associated with lower avoidant coping and higher social support. Better overall quality of life was associated with being married/cohabiting, low avoidant coping, and high social support. Unemployment was linked to poorer outcomes across all health and quality of life dimensions.ConclusionsDespite persistent oral-facial health and appearance concerns, middle-aged adults with UCLP reported good generic health and high overall quality of life. Psychosocial resources, partnership and employment may buffer the impact of orofacial difficulties, underscoring the value of holistic, individualized, lifelong, and multidisciplinary follow-up.