The Feelings of Fourth-sixth-grade Elementary School Children with Cleft Lip and Palate about their Disease

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the feelings of fourth-sixth-grade elementary school children with cleft lip and palate about their disease.Methods: From August to September 2018, we conducted a semi-structured interview with 11 upper elementary school children with cleft lip and palate who were either inpatients or outpatients of Hospital A on their perception of their disease. Their responses were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive method.Results: A total of 29 codes were extracted to assess the children's feelings on the disease, and they were classified into 8 categories. The 8 categories were: "I was surprised to learn that I was born with no mouth-shape or bones," "I was not surprised to hear about my teeth and the lack of a philtrum," "I am reminded that my disease includes not teething," " I do not know how I got sick," "I wonder if the disease can be cured," "I had better know about my disease," "I do not care my disease because others cannot see it," and "It is better to act normal and not take it too seriously".Conclusions: In the concrete operation period, it became clear that the children understood their disease with a sense of reality and were troubled by them. It was suggested that nurses should provide explanations to the children so that they can improve their understanding of their condition.