Determinants of cleft lip and cleft palate in Ethiopian children: Insights from a hospital-based study using Bayesian
Abenezer Yohannes Eniyew1, Tadele Akeba Diriba1, Akalu Banbeta Tereda2
1Department of Statistics, College of Natural Sciences, Jimma University, Ethiopia.
Insights
Maternal nutrition and exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy significantly impact the occurrence of cleft lip and cleft palate. Improving prenatal care and reducing environmental risks are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Congenital Anomalies
- Public Health
- Genetics and Epigenetics
Background:
- Cleft lip and cleft palate are common congenital anomalies resulting from incomplete facial structure closure during embryonic development.
- Understanding the determinants and interrelationship of these conditions is vital for effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors contributing to cleft lip and cleft palate.
- To evaluate the correlation between cleft lip and cleft palate in a pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 544 children and their parents.
- Bivariate multinomial regression and Bayesian methods were employed to analyze determinants and correlations.
Main Results:
- Maternal factors such as poor nutrition, lack of multivitamins, alcohol consumption, smoking, folic acid deficiency, rural residence, and parental history of birth defects were associated with these conditions.
- A significant correlation was observed between cleft lip and cleft palate, suggesting shared underlying causes.
Conclusions:
- Maternal health, including nutrition and avoidance of harmful exposures during pregnancy, plays a critical role in the etiology of cleft lip and palate.
- Public health initiatives focused on maternal education, nutritional support, and reducing exposure to teratogens are essential for mitigating the incidence of these birth defects.
Abstract:
ObjectiveCleft lip and cleft palate are common congenital anomalies that occur when facial structures fail to completely close during early development. This study aimed to identify determinants of cleft lip and cleft palate and assess the relationship between the two outcomes among children admitted to CURE Ethiopia Children's Hospital.MethodThis hospital-based cross-sectional study involved 544 children with congenital birth defects and their parents. A bivariate multinomial regression model was applied to identify the determinants of cleft lip and cleft palate and to account for the correlation between the two outcomes. Bayesian methods were used to estimate model parameters.ResultsMaternal factors, including inadequate prenatal nutrition, lack of multivitamin supplementation, alcohol consumption, passive smoking, cigarette smoking, folic acid deficiency, residence in rural area, parental history of birth defects, and certain medical conditions during pregnancy, were associated with the occurrence of cleft lip and cleft palate. The findings also demonstrated a strong correlation between cleft lip and cleft palate through shared latent effects.ConclusionsMaternal nutrition and exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy are important risk factors influencing the occurrence of cleft lip and cleft palate. Strengthening maternal health education, improving nutrition, and reducing exposure to harmful substances may help reduce the burden of these conditions.
