Perceived Social Support of Mothers of Children With Clefts

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To identify factors that may predict perceived social support in mothers of children with clefts. Design: A comparison was conducted from a sample of mothers of children with oral clefts identified from a single institution (multidisciplinary craniofacial clinic). The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List and Beck Depression Inventory were completed by all participants. Results: Mothers of children with visible clefts were more likely to report higher perceived social support than mothers of children with clefts that were not visible (p = .005). Mothers of female children reported higher levels of perceived social support than mothers of male children (p = .02). Mothers who had completed more years of education reported significantly higher levels of perceived social support than mothers who had completed fewer years of school (p = .03). Mothers with more children were more likely to report lower levels of perceived social support (p = .009). Maternal depression was highly correlated w...