Parental knowledge and barriers to cleft lip and palate care

A cross-cultural study from the Middle East and South Asia

Bibliographic Data

ID22087547
AuthorsSari M Rabah (Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, corresponding author), Heba Jafar Sabbagh (0000-0002-9788-0379, King Abdulaziz University), Alya AlZabin (0009-0001-7541-5521, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University), Ebtesam Almajed (0000-0003-0051-3714, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University), Razan Albrahim, Razan A Albrahim (Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University), Reema Aldawish, Reema A Aldawish (Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University), Lara Alyahiwi (0009-0005-5278-3937, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University), Rand Alshabnan, Rand A Alshabnan (Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University), Narmin M Helal (King Abdulaziz University), Muhammad Asjad Khan (Virtual University of Pakistan), Muhammad Abrar Yousaf (0000-0001-8018-3895, University of Verona), Shaimaa Mohsen Refahee (0000-0002-7550-1913, Fayoum University), Mohamed Mamdouh Koraitim (Alexandria University), Mohammed Sadeq Kasem Albadani (Alexandria University), Yousef Saleh Khader (Jordan University of Science and Technology), Tamara Karim Al Halasa (Jordan University of Science and Technology), Ola B Al-Batayneh (Jordan University of Science and Technology), Mohammad A Albatayneh (Jordan University of Science and Technology)
Year2026
Volume13
Pages1691553-1691553
Publication date2026-01-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1691553
PMID41584146
OpenAlexW7119538593
LanguageEN
References cited37

Background: Orofacial clefts, including cleft lip and/or palate (CLP), are common congenital anomalies that can cause feeding difficulties, speech articulation issues, dental problems, and ear complications. Timely treatment is essential to improve the quality of life for affected children. This study investigates parental knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to care for children with CLP across Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Pakistan. It explores cultural and systemic factors influencing healthcare-seeking behavior and offers recommendations to reduce cross-cultural disparities in awareness and access to care. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey targeted parents of children with CLP, recruited through hospital records and community support centers in the four countries. The questionnaire collected data on sociodemographics, parental knowledge, attitudes, practices regarding CLP, and barriers to accessing care. Results: A total of 505 parents participated, representing diverse regions of the Arab Gulf, North Africa, and South Asia. Most parents (91.9%) sought medical attention promptly after noticing CLP. However, knowledge varied: while many parents understood the medical nature of CLP, few recognized it as a syndrome or thought it was preventable. Travel and appointment barriers were prevalent; 70.3% traveled long distances for care, and 37.4% missed appointments due to work commitments. Conclusion: The findings reveal regional disparities in parental knowledge and access to care. Parents from higher socioeconomic backgrounds and the Arab Gulf reported better understanding and fewer barriers. Improving health education, transportation access, and community-based services is vital to support families and enhance CLP management

East Asia · Low and middle income countries · Middle East · Socioeconomic status · South asia · South east · Cleft Lip and Palate Research · Global Health and Surgery · Oral and Craniofacial Lesions

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