Prevalence of orofacial cleft and its associated factors among newborns in Kembata zone, central Ethiopia 2024.

INTRODUCTION

Orofacial clefts are common congenital malformations that impair structural, functional, and psychosocial outcomes. They may be identified at birth or later in life, often requiring surgical correction, which is caused by defects in the integrity and unity of fetal facial structures. These disorders occur between the medial nasal and maxillary processes (cleft lip) and between the maxillary processes (cleft palate). It affects nearly every aspect of life for the exposed newborns, as they involve both structural and functional abnormalities of the facial region. These defects significantly affect physical, mental, social, and cosmetic outcomes for the child. METHOD: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 5,124 neonates and their mothers from public hospitals in the Kembata zone. A total of 5,124 charts were reviewed. Data were extracted using structured, pretested forms and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Both bivariabl and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULT: The prevalence of orofacial clefts was 9 per 1,000 births. Urban residence (AOR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.91–8.01), pesticide exposure (AOR: 4.48, 95% CI: 1.48–13.65), maternal illness (AOR: 4.24, 95% CI: 1.02–17.53), alcohol consumption during pregnancy (AOR: 4.87, 95% CI: 1.43–16.59), and inadequate folic acid supplementation (AOR: 4.95, 95% CI: 1.80–13.60) were significantly associated with orofacial clefts.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of orofacial clefts was 9 per 1,000 births, indicating a notable public health concern. Key factors significantly associated with orofacial clefts included urban residence, pesticide exposure, maternal illness, alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and inadequate folic acid supplementation.