ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF COMMUNICATION ANXIETY OF THE CHILDREN WITH REPAIRED CLEFT LIPAND PALATE

Farzeen Sarwar , Atia-Ur-Rehman , Humaira Waseem Saba Yaqoob

Abstract

Generally, it is assumed that the children with cleft lip and palate do not perform psychologically well in
their environment and society due to communication anxieties.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of communication anxiety of the children with repaired cleft lip and cleft palate.
METHODS: A cross-sectional research conducted at CLAPP hospital Lahore, 134 participants with repaired cleft
lip and cleft palate were included through Purposive sampling technique. Children with age limit between
6-18 years were included. Children with other craniofacial abnormalities were excluded and repaired cleft lip and palate were included. Data were collected by Communication Anxiety Inventory scale. Data were analyzed with the help of SPSS 21version.
RESULTS: Out of 134 children there were 61 boys and 73 girls. 49 (36.5 %.) lies in 6-12 years of age and 85(63.4%) patients lies in 13-18 years. The average score of communication anxiety in dyadic was 16.51+2.856.
58.9% communication apprehension in dyadic domain. The average score of communication anxiety
in small group was 18.44+2.588. 65.85% communication apprehension in small group. The average score of communication anxiety in public speaking was 17.46+2.31. 62.35% communication apprehension in public speaking group.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is concluded that there is significantly differences in communication apprehension of the children having
repaired cleft lip and cleft palate.