Coping strategies of parents with cleft lip palate in the Central Andes of Ecuador (Cuenca and Ambato)

Background and objective: Coping are the cognitive and behavioral efforts that are developed to manage specific demands that are valued as situations that exceed or overflow the resources of a person, so the objective of this study is to identify coping styles in parents and caregivers of children with FLAP in the cities of Cuenca and Ambato, Ecuador. Participants and materials: 35 families with children diagnosed with different types of cleft lip and palate (CLP) from the cities of Cuenca and Ambato, Ecuador, participated. Ad hoc sociodemographic data and as a technique for the psychological measurement of coping styles: COPE-28 (according to the original by Carver, 1997). Method: The participants completed questionnaires with the necessary help of a member of the research team. Results: The study showed that children had more problems with language and in addition, parents, and caregivers of children with FLAP developed positive strategies such as acceptance, active coping, and religion in the face of their children's condition. Conclusions: The involvement of a multidisciplinary team is considered important for the evaluation, early intervention, and a long-term follow-up of patients with FLAP, being essential to obtain promising results.