Objective: To assess and analyze the global status of parental responses to feeding problems in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and to provide recommendations for future research.
Design: A priori protocol was formulated according to PRISMA guidelines and registered. The predefined search strategy was used in established search engines up to July 27, 2020 without any restriction of language or year of publication. Studies evaluating the parental responses to feeding problems in patients with CLP were included. The data extraction was performed with a self-designed form, and risk of bias (ROB) was assessed.
Results: Out of 27 identified papers, eight studies could be included. Most were from Europe, conducted between 1994 and 2020, and had utilized valid and reliable questionnaires. The included studies showed moderate or low ROB. The majority of the studies reported parental dissatisfaction with the knowledge provided. The presence of anxiety and low self-esteem among parents was also highlighted.
Conclusions: There was general consensus regarding lack of medical advice and support for CLP families, along with the presence of anxiety and low self-esteem among parents. Well-designed studies from different regions of the world must be conducted in the future for an accurate global picture to be presented.
Keywords: cleft lip and palate; feeding problems; parental response.
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