Cultural Beliefs on Cleft lip and/or Cleft Palate and Their Implications on Management: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective This article examines and summarizes the published epidemiological literature on cross-cultural variations. Particular emphasis was put on addressing cross-cultural beliefs on the causes, management, and attitude toward cleft lip and/or cleft palate. A healthcare provider's awareness of these cross-cultural attitudes and beliefs is vital for promoting effective collaboration with patients’ families and ensuring a favorable medical outcome. Design Systematic review. Setting Not applicable. Participants Patients with cleft lip and/or cleft palate, their families, their communities, and healthcare providers. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Not applicable. Results All relevant and eligible studies were identified using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The cultural belief was categorized and measured using Murdock's Theories of Illness. The study was reported in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the selected studies was evaluated in accordance with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme criteria (CASP). Fourteen articles covering thirteen countries on four continents met the inclusion criteria. In diverse communities, cleft lip and/or cleft palate was attributed to natural (infection, medication, improper diet, smoke, or radiation) or supernatural (God, eclipse, ancestral spirit, and curse) causes. Reported consequences include stigmatization, inappropriate treatments, leaving patients untreated, and infanticide. Conclusion Cultural beliefs are the main cause of misconceptions surrounding a cleft lip and/or cleft palate. There is also a need for public health care providers’ intervention to educate society about the natural causes and ease of management, thereby increasing opportunities for patients substantially.

Orofacial Cleft in Rwanda: a Scoping Review of Empirical Evidence

“…The superstitions and misconceptions about the causes of clefts prevail, affected individuals often face discrimination and social isolation. This stigma can impede their ability to access education, employment, and social opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalization [12,13].…”