Abstract
BackgroundThe etiology of cleft lip and palate (CL/P) remains largely unidentified. Evidence-based research shows a strong association with genetics, environmental factors, nutritional deficiency, smoking, alcohol, and drug misuse. Despite the increase in knowledge and widespread access to medical care beliefs contrary to science, folklores on CLP still occur in most developing countries.MethodologyThe study design was cross-sectional in nature and involved a sample of 136 parents of children with cleft lip and palate reporting to Smile Train Cleft Centers. It was conducted by using a self-structured questionnaire from December to March 2019.ResultsThe highest recorded response was holding sharp objects, such as knives, scissors, or needles, during pregnancy (40.4%) and the least recorded response was for pregnant women going out on an auspicious day (3.7%).ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that a majority of the parent’s socioeconomic status was upper lower class. Some parents still believe in the myths around the etiology of CLP despite the advances in medicine and technology.
Highlights
Cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP) are congenital deformities caused by unusual embryonic facial development in the course of intrauterine life
A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of children with CLP at a Smile Train Cleft Center in Hyderabad city, Telangana, India, to assess their extent of social stigma and myths surrounding the etiology of CLP
We found that 64% of the children were below three years of age, which is similar to a study done by Gopinath VK et al The Smile Train conducts various campaigns to raise public awareness for CLP extended to remote areas
Summary
Cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP) are congenital deformities caused by unusual embryonic facial development in the course of intrauterine life. CLP has a profound impact on the family system, as do parents have to adjust to the normal demands of parenthood, but they have to deal with increased stresses and challenges resulting from the disability [4]. Most parents are often not prepared for a child with a facial cleft deformity and generally do not have the necessary knowledge to deal with the unexpected deformity [5]. They feel guilty and embarrassed, which is often intensified if either parent feels they did something wrong during the pregnancy to damage the baby. Despite the increase in knowledge and widespread access to medical care beliefs contrary to science, folklores on CLP still occur in most developing countries
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