Understanding the activity and participation limitations in adolescents with cleft lip and palate: A mixed design study using the concept of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Children and Youth Version

Objective: The primary objective is to comprehensively examine the activity and participation limitations in adolescents with cleft lip and palate utilizing the ICF-CY (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Children and Youth Version). Design: Mixed designed study. Setting: Hacettepe University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department. Participants: 264 adolescents with cleft lip and palate and 300 healthy adolescents. Main measures: The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare occupational balance levels, and qualitative content analysis was used for analyzing interviews. Data were then coded according to the categories of the ICF-CY. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between temporality (P =.001), rest and sleep (P =.004), occupational variations and adaptations(P =.001), occupational meaning and value (P =.0001), and A-OBS (Adolescent Occupational Balance Scale) total scores. Participants expressed that they especially had problems in carrying out daily life activities and ensuring social participation. They further stressed that their families tended to provide an overly protective environment. Additionally, adolescents reported improved communication within virtual environments. Adolescents emphasized the impact of the ongoing surgical history on personal development. Conclusions: ICF-CY provides an important perspective in examining the activity and participation limitations of children with cleft lip and palate, providing an opportunity to understand the effects of impairments in body structure and function, environmental barriers, and social impacts.