Disease-Related Knowledge, Stress, and Quality of Life of Parental Caregivers of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate in a Selected Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract

Introduction

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is one of the most common congenital anomalies worldwide, affecting approximately 2,000 children annually in Vietnam. Parental caregivers, particularly mothers, face considerable challenges in managing complex treatment pathways and addressing their children's multifaceted needs. This often leads to increased stress and decline in the quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to explore the relationship between disease-related knowledge, stress, and QoL among caregivers of children with CLP in Ho Chi Minh City.

Materials and Methods

A descriptive-correlational design was used with a purposive sample of 235 parental caregivers from an Odonto-Stomatology Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Data were collected using three validated instruments: the Disease-Related Knowledge Scale, Stress Scale for Parents of Children with CLP, and WHOQOL-BREF. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data; Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression were used to examine the relationships between knowledge, stress, and QoL.

Results

Caregivers had moderately good disease-related knowledge (M=3.66, SD=0.39), with the highest scores in information provision (M=3.90, SD=0.43). Stress levels were moderately low (M=3.46, SD=0.44), with resource deficiencies being the most significant stressor. Although the caregivers reported good overall QoL (M=3.97, SD=0.47), psychological health scored lower (M=3.45, SD=0.84). A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge and stress (r=0.421, p<0.001), but no significant correlation was observed between knowledge and QoL (r=-0.033, p=0.619).

Conclusion

Greater disease-related knowledge correlated with increased stress, yet it did not directly improve QoL. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive support, including education and psychosocial interventions, to reduce stress and enhance the well-being of parental caregivers.