Quality of life and self-efficacy beliefs in young adults with cleft lip and palate

The present study aims to determine quality of life and self-efficacy beliefs among young adults with cleft lip and palate (CLP), as compared with a control group of young adults without CLP. The study involves two groups of young adults: 48 with CLP and 48 presenting no disability. Methods: Two questionnaires (Quality of Life Questionnaire and How Much Confidence do I Have in Myself?) were used to assess life satisfaction and self-efficacy beliefs, respectively. Results: Participants with CLP reported greater quality of life than the participants in the control group, in terms of personal financial situation and self-determination opportunities. Moreover, men with CLP showed higher levels of confidence than women with CLP, and more than all the participants in the control group as a whole in terms of the ability to complete tasks and activities. Conclusions: Results suggest that people with CLP do not form a homogeneous category but are characterized by a high degree of variability. Further research is necessary to identify the dimensions and factors characterizing people with CLP as well as the health and social services needed to start using assessment instruments that can shed light on these individuals' experiences.