Current Pediatric Research

Objective: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a common craniofacial deformity. Low awareness and knowledge and a negative attitude are known to increase social and emotional stress in this group of patients. In the present study, we assessed the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of Saudi pregnant women toward CLP. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire was conducted among 310 pregnant women attending the obstetrics and gynecology clinics in King Khalid University Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Level of awareness, mean cumulative knowledge score, and attitude scores were evaluated. Results: Majority (81%) of the women reported that they had heard of cleft lip while (49.9%) heard of cleft palate. Nationality and highest level of education had significant effect on the awareness of CL, whereas occupation of the respondents was found significantly related to awareness of CP. Mean cumulative knowledge score was (14.2 ± 6.6) and (52.5%) respondents exhibited high level of knowledge. Occupation and level of education of the women statistically affected the level of knowledge of CLP. Attitudes towards cleft lip and palate patients were generally positive. Knowledge of the participant was significantly associated with a positive attitude toward CLP. Conclusion: There are variations in level of awareness, knowledge, and attitude in Saudi women. Mothers’ knowledge about CLP might encourage better health related behavior in the children.

Author(s): Nujaim H Alnujaim, Eman S Albedaie, Leena S Alyahya, Maha A Adosary, Fahad F Alotaibi, Mohammed H Alnujaim, Saeed Mahmod

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