IMPACT OF SURGERY AND TELE-REHABILITATION ON FEEDING AND EARLY ECHOIC SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN WITH CLEFT LIP/ PALATE DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Objective: To examine the parental knowledge, practices as well as perspectives about the feeding and investigate the early speech development (Early Echoic Skills) in children with Cleft lip and/or Cleft palate (CL/P). Methods: Forty eight children of 2-24 months of both sexes, with CL/P (Cleft lip, Cleft palate, Cleft lip and palate, Small notch on lip, Split Uvula) recruited by consecutive sampling were analysed with a validated questionnaire on KAP of feeding practices and Early echoic skills and by clinical examination pre and post-surgery using direct and follow-up tele-interview. Results: Overwhelming majority (93%) reported increased confidence and skills in feeding and 58.3% reported improvement in speech and language development through tele-rehabilitation. Nasal regurgitation was the major difficulty (68.7%) in pre-operative assessment, while in post –op assessment it was only 27%. Large variability in opinion on prevalence and treatment of feeding and effectiveness of treatment strategies designed to reduce nasal air emission was evident. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate a high degree of variability in opinion of parents regarding feeding and early echoic skills of children with CL/P. Parental education was helpful in supporting the needs for better feeding of children affected by CL/P. A multidisciplinary approach with parental involvement along with good parental awareness programmes for feeding and in early speech and language development (early echoic skills) before and after surgery creates significant improvements beyond cosmetic appearance by helping in speech and language development.