OBJECTIVES: To determine the causes of late presentation of patients with cleft lip and palate in Nepal. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey using interviews of patients' parents. SETTING: The study was carried out between April 1999 and September 1999 in Western Regional Hospital (WRH), Pokhara, Nepal, a secondary care center. PATIENTS: All patients with cleft lip and palate coming to WRH outpatient department or coming for surgery were included in the study. Those without parents were excluded. A total of 53 patients were included. RESULTS: Forty-two (79%) presented after 3 months. The most common reasons were lack of knowledge of availability of repair (31%), lack of accessibility of care (29%), and lack of finances (24%). CONCLUSIONS: In Nepal, the majority of patients with cleft present late, mainly because of a lack of awareness of cleft services, the remoteness of available services, or a lack of finances. These obstacles can be largely surmounted through itinerant services.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the causes of late presentation of patients with cleft lip and palate in Nepal. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey using interviews of patients' parents. SETTING: The study was carried out between April 1999 and September 1999 in Western Regional Hospital (WRH), Pokhara, Nepal, a secondary care center. PATIENTS: All patients with cleft lip and palate coming to WRH outpatient department or coming for surgery were included in the study. Those without parents were excluded. A total of 53 patients were included. RESULTS: Forty-two (79%) presented after 3 months. The most common reasons were lack of knowledge of availability of repair (31%), lack of accessibility of care (29%), and lack of finances (24%). CONCLUSIONS: In Nepal, the majority of patients with cleft present late, mainly because of a lack of awareness of cleft services, the remoteness of available services, or a lack of finances. These obstacles can be largely surmounted through itinerant services.
Authors: Wasiu L Adeyemo; Mobolanle O Ogunlewe; Ibironke Desalu; Akinola L Ladeinde; Bolaji O Mofikoya; Michael O Adeyemi; Adegbenga A Adepoju; Olufemi O Hassan Journal: Clin Cosmet Investig Dent Date: 2009-11-30