Mental health in Mexican children with cleft lip and/or palate aged 8–12 years: A quantitative and exploratory study

Background: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a prevalent congenital malformation in Mexico, affecting a significant portion of the population. It is associated with a range of psychological and mental health issues, in addition to physical sequelae, making it a complex and multifaceted condition. Materials and Method: The present research was meticulously developed using a robust quantitative methodology and an exploratory cross-sectional design. This approach was chosen to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mental health status of children with CLP in Mexico. Participants: The sample consisted of 93 children with a mean age of 9.6 years, 53 (57%) males and 40 (43%) females. Outcome Measures: The Brief Screening and Diagnostic Questionnaire (CBTD), designed to identify possible mental health problems in children and adolescents, was used. Results: It was found that 63.44% of the sample did not have serious mental health problems, but there were changes in the children’s behavior; 21.5% were likely to have uncomplicated mental health problems, and 15.1% were likely to have complicated mental health problems. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for more comprehensive research focusing on the mental health of children with CLP. A larger and more diverse participant population is essential to provide conclusive data on the psychological sequelae of CLP, thereby enhancing our understanding and improving the care for these children.