Emotional Reactions and Adaptation of Parents of Children Diagnosed With Cleft Lip/Palate: A Systematic Review

BackgroundThe diagnosis of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in a child triggers various emotional processes for both the child and their parents.ObjectiveThis systematic review aimed to evaluate the emotional impact and reactions of parents when they receive a diagnosis of CL/P for their child, whether during pregnancy or at birth.MethodsThe review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO. Comprehensive search strategies were used across multiple electronic databases, including EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, and LIVIVO. Gray literature sources such as Google and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses were also explored.ResultsThe initial search retrieved 2380 references. After full-text screening of 19 articles, 10 were included in the final review, along with 9 additional articles identified through reference lists and gray literature. The included studies addressed at least one of the following themes: emotional reactions, psychological impact, and the parent-child relationship following the diagnosis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool, with most studies rated as having low to moderate risk of bias.ConclusionParents whose children have CL/P often experience significant emotional distress, particularly at the time of diagnosis. This impact can be mitigated when the diagnosis is delivered by specialized teams offering comprehensive support. In addition, the high financial burden related to treatment and ongoing multidisciplinary care increases stress levels, intensifying the emotional challenges faced by families.