Factors Associated With Perception of Stigma Among Parents of Children With Cleft Lip and Palate: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Parents of children with cleft lip and palate (CL/P) often face stigmatization, and the stigmatization they felt has a significant impact on the quality of their life and mental health. However, to date, there is a lack of comprehensive, multi-center empirical research on parents of children with CL/P in China, particularly those that employ large-scale samples. OBJECTIVE To identify the major factors that contribute to the perception of stigma experienced by parents of children with CL/P. METHODS A cross-sectional survey. Parents of children diagnosed with CL/P in 2 hospitals was selected by convenience sampling. Demographic, disease information, a Chinese Perception of stigma Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and Social Anxiety Scale Life Scale were used in this study. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare the differences between participants’ demographic information and stigma. RESULTS The mean scores for the dimensions of perception of stigma, depression, social anxiety was 22.914±9.172, 38.337±8.248, 21.644±6.408, respectively. The depression and anxiety was positive associated with discrimination, while “whether operation were performed” and “education background” were negatively associated variables. These four factors explained 23.50% of the total model variance. CONCLUSIONS The mean scores for the dimensions of perception of stigma, depression, social anxiety was 22.914±9.172, 38.337±8.248, 21.644±6.408, respectively. The depression and anxiety was positive associated with discrimination, while “whether operation were performed” and “education background” were negatively associated variables. These four factors explained 23.50% of the total model variance.