Oginni F, Asuku M, Oladele A, Obuekwe O, Nnabuko R
Knowledge And Cultural Beliefs About The Etiology And Management Of Orofacial Clefts In Nigeria's Major Ethnic Groups. [JOURNAL ARTICLE]
Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2008 Sep 24.:1.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the knowledge and cultural beliefs about the etiology and management of orofacial clefts in Nigeria's major ethnic group.
DESIGN: Questionnaires designed to elicit respondents' knowledge and cultural beliefs about the etiology and management of orofacial clefts.
SETTING: Northern and Southern Nigerian communities where the major ethnic groups reside.
PARTICIPANTS: Consenting, randomly selected individuals.
RESULTS: There were 650 respondents (350 females and 300 males) from 34 of Nigeria's 36 states, 65.5% were aged 21-40 years and 52.5% were married. There were Yorubas (33.7%), Igbo/Bini/Urhobo (40.5%) and Hausa/Fulani (25.8%) with mostly primary and secondary education. Seventy-five percent had previously seen an individual with an orofacial cleft. A significant level of ignorance about the cultural beliefs was found. The Hausa/Fulani considered it mostly an act of God while the Igbo/Bini/Urhobo and Yoruba groups displayed a greater variety of cultural beliefs. The latter groups implicated witchcraft, evil spirit or devil, the mother, and occasionally the child. Forty percent of respondents knew that surgery was a possible solution while 22% would recommend a visit to the hospital. Respondents with higher educational attainment produced significantly more scientifically related etiologic factors and accurate treatment options.
CONCLUSION: Seventy-five percent of respondents were aware of the existence of orofacial clefts and a fair knowledge of treatment of orofacial clefts was elicited. Diverse cultural beliefs may often present an obstacle to treatment. Improved awareness about the etiology and management of orofacial clefts is required. KEY WORDS: culture, etiology, orofacial clefts.
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