Study of myths and beliefs among the parents of a child with cleft lip and palate

AIM: The aim of the study was the identification of predictors of psychology and beliefs among parents of children affected by cleft lip and cleft palate. METHODS: The study included a sample of 157 parents of children having cleft lips and cleft palates. Parents were given a questionnaire related to their beliefs and reasons behind deformity. RESULTS: Out of 157 participants, 90 were fathers, and 67 were mothers. The children with deformities included 105 boys and 52 girls. The majority of parents (43) believed that the eclipse was one of the reasons for the deformity and the other was God’s wrath for the mother’s sins. The time of birth was considered a factor for cleft lip and palate by 27 parents. The study revealed that the self-esteem of fathers was higher than mothers and they were more concerned of being undesirably judged by others due to deformity of their children than the mothers. CONCLUSION: It can be inferred that the parents of a child with cleft lip and palate differ in their psychosocial adjustments. Also, mothers experience more psychosocial problems than fathers. The superstitious beliefs still prevail in rural areas despite advanced medical facilities and awareness.