Determinants of cleft lip and cleft palate in Ethiopian children: Insights from a hospital-based study using Bayesian modeling.

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.