Knowledge and cultural beliefs about the etiology and management of orofacial clefts in Nigeria's major ethnic groups.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the knowledge and cultural beliefs about the etiology and management of orofacial clefts in Nigeria's major ethnic groups.


METHODS
Questionnaires designed to elicit respondents' knowledge and cultural beliefs about the etiology and management of orofacial clefts.


METHODS
Northern and southern Nigerian communities where the major ethnic groups reside.


METHODS
Consenting, randomly selected individuals.


RESULTS
There were 650 respondents (350 women and 300 men) from 34 of Nigeria's 36 states; 65.5% were aged 21 to 40 years and 52.5% were married. There were Yoruba (33.7%), Igbo/Bini/Urhobo (40.5%), and Hausa/Fulani (25.8%), with most having attained primary and secondary education. Of those responding, 75% had 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; whereas, 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. Of respondents, 40% knew that surgery was a possible solution, and 22% would recommend a visit to the hospital. Respondents with higher educational attainment produced significantly more scientifically related etiologic factors and accurate treatment options.


CONCLUSIONS
Of respondents, 75% were aware of the existence of orofacial clefts, and a fair knowledge of treatment of orofacial clefts was elicited. Diverse cultural beliefs often may present an obstacle to treatment. Improved awareness about the etiology and management of orofacial clefts is required.
Oginni
Fadekemi O
FO
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. torera5265@yahoo.com
Asuku
Malachy E
ME
Oladele
Ayodeji O
AO
Obuekwe
Ozoemene N
ON
Nnabuko
Richard E
RE
D000328:Adult; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires