Exploring the financial and emotional effects of cleft palate

The Financial and Emotional Impact of Cleft Palate on Children and Their Caregivers: a Mixed-method Study

Observational University Hospital, Ghent · NCT06905678

This study looks at how having a cleft lip and/or palate affects the finances and emotions of children and their parents to better understand their challenges.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 22 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ghent)
Trial IDNCT06905678 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the financial and emotional impact of cleft lip and/or palate (CL±P) on affected children and their parents or guardians. Participants will complete questionnaires that assess various aspects of financial burden, social integration, and emotional well-being, utilizing tools like the CLEFT-Q and the Parental Stress Scale. The study aims to gather insights from families followed by interdisciplinary craniofacial teams at the University Hospitals of Leuven or Ghent, focusing on the long-term consequences of CL±P.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 5, 12, or 18 years who have a diagnosis of cleft lip and/or palate.

Not a fit: Patients without a cleft lip and/or palate or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the emotional and financial challenges faced by families, potentially guiding better support and resources.

How similar studies have performed: While there may be studies addressing the emotional and financial impacts of congenital conditions, this specific focus on CL±P and its comprehensive assessment through questionnaires is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a cleft (lip and) palate
* Age of 5, 12 or 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

\- No specific exclusion criteria

Where this trial is running

Ghent

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cleft Lip and Cleft PalateCleft lip and palateEmotional burdenFinancial burdenQuestionnairesPerceptionsInterviews
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.