Introduction: Cleft lip and palate are among the congenital anomalies of the head and neck that often require surgical intervention. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the level of social anxiety among patients with cleft lip and palate.
Methods: In this cross sectional study, 80 patients with cleft lip and palate were evaluated. The data collection tool was the La Greca Social Anxiety Questionnaire, which consists of 16 items and measures three components. After identifying individuals with cleft lip and palate and explaining the objectives of the study, the researchers recruited participants. Finally, the collected data were entered into SPSS software version 18 and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests, and the results were reported.
Results: Result showed, 57.5% of the participants were male, 71.3% were aged 12–14 years, 73.8% lived in rural areas, 52.5% had no history of reconstructive surgery, and 97.5% were classified as having poor family financial status. The mean (standard deviation) of the total social anxiety score was 60.47 ± 6.88. The mean score for fear of negative evaluation was 26.47 ± 5.46, social avoidance and distress in new situations was 18.36 ± 2.08, and general social avoidance and distress was 15.63 ± 1.75. A significant relationship was also observed between social anxiety scores and variables such as gender, place of residence, and history of reconstructive surgery (p < 0.05). Female patients, those living in urban areas, and those without a history of reconstructive surgery reported higher levels of social anxiety.
Conclusion: The results showed that the mean level of social anxiety in this group was relatively high, with the highest score related to fear of negative evaluation. Social anxiety was significantly higher among females, urban residents, and individuals who had not undergone reconstructive surgery. Therefore, demographic factors and treatment status may play an important role in the severity of social anxiety in these patients.