Mother’s of Children with Cleft Lip and/or Palate, Perception about Aetiology, Social Reaction and Treatment of Cleft

Abstract

Background: Religious, cultural beliefs and demographical differences can have a huge impact in shaping people’s reactions and attitudes toward cleft children. Myths and folk beliefs frequently accompany the birth of a child with deformities especially in Africa. Objective: Evaluate cleft mothers with cleft children attending a multidisciplinary cleft clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital about their experiences on aetiology, expectation, family reaction and treatment of cleft lip and palate. Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional study which involved consecutive mothers of cleft lip and palate children reporting to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Cleft clinic by using a structured questionnaire. The study period was from January to June 2013. Results: The highest recorded response (47.50%) from mothers was that their nuclear families had been supportive. The least recorded nuclear family reaction was indifferent to child’s condition (3.70%). 47.50% of mothers reported their extended family members had been supportive whereas the least recorded reaction of extended family members (1.25%) was avoidant behaviour. 52 Mothers (65%) answered that they are not mocked by members of the society whereas 28 (35%) answered they were mocked. Conclusion: The above study demonstrates that mother’s educational background was low. Some mothers still believe CL/P is caused by evil spirit even though they are in the minority. Most mothers were hopeful that their babies will have a normal life after surgery. There was high level of family support for cleft families.