Anxiety, depression, stress and fear of COVID-19 in non-syndromic oral cleft children' parents and caregivers

Abstract Objectives to assess the levels of anxiety, depression, stress and fear of COVID-19 in non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) children parents and caregivers. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional case-control study conducted at a Craniofacial Anomalies Rehabilitation Center, Brazil. Non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used and data were collected between October 2021 and November 2022. Variables were assessed by Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FC-19S). Pearson's chi-square test and multivariate binary logistic regression model have been performed. Results Data were obtained of 80 NSCL/P parents group and 130 by control group. Severe symptoms were higher in NSCL/P parents indicated by rates (8.8% vs 69% to anxiety; 12.5% vs 8.5% to depression and 17.5% vs 10.0% to stress). As for the predilection in case group there was an association (p < 0.05) for manifestation of mild stress (OR: 4.09; 95%CI 1.28–13.06). Control group caregivers were more fear of COVID-19 (43.8% vs 28.7% p < 0.05). Conclusion There were no significant differences in anxiety, depression, and stress levels between groups. NSCL/P children parents and caregivers were less fear of COVID-19. There is a predilection for severe symptoms in the case group. Clinical Relevance: This is the first cross-sectional study analyzing fear of COVID-19 in NSCL/P children parents and caregivers. These people should receive greater attention by multiprofessional team due to the predisposition of illness in mental health.