Effect of speech accuracy on quality of life in children with Cleft Palate +/- Cleft Lip

Background: Most speech interventions focus on developing accurate speech sounds. Few studies investigate whether correct articulation of consonants translates to improved intelligibility and, crucially, quality of life for children with CP+/-L.
Research question: Is consonant production accuracy (measured as percentage target consonants correct (PCC)) associated with improved functional intelligibility (measured with Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS) [1]), and quality of life, QoL (measured with CLEFT-Q speech distress scale) and participation (measured with CLEFT-Q speech functioning scale)[2]?
Method: Preliminary data was analysed from 9 children (2 female; mean age: 8;11) in a randomised control trial testing the feasibility of ultrasound biofeedback intervention. PCC, ICS (completed by parent), and CLEFT-Q measurements (completed by the parent for under-8-year-olds) were completed: Before intervention, one week and one month after the final intervention session. Data was analysed across time points using linear mixed effects regression models, accounting for multiple datapoints per participant, with the outcome variables: ICS score, CLEFT-Q distress score, CLEFT-Q functioning score. The predictor in all models was PCC.
Results: Preliminary results suggest PCC was a significant predictor for Speech Distress. The higher the PCC the lower the distress experienced across communicative situations (see Figure 1). PCC was not a significant predictor for intelligibility and Speech Functioning.
Discussion: Difficulties with speech sounds are associated with distress. Preliminary results regarding PCC and intelligibility and participation are inconclusive. Further data will be presented at the conference.