Assessment of Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitude About the Current Treatment Protocols for Newborns with Cleft Lip and Palate Among Obstetrician-Gynecologists and Radiologists – A Questionnaire Survey

K Rajkamal Maniratnam,*
Rajesh RNG,
Anadha Gujar,
Rony T Kondody,
Rajalakshmi Kumar,
Vigneshraja Kumar,
Swati Vishwakkarma,
Roopa Keshava Murthy

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of Obstetricians-gynaecologists and radiologists regarding current treatment regimens for CLP and their perspectives on elective termination of pregnancy for the same cause. Materials and Methods: A 15-question survey was conducted among 68 gynaecologists and 52 radiologists who were registered with the Medical Council of India. The questionnaire, distributed via social network, contained 19 questions, including knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding CLP, presurgical orthopaedics, and pregnancy termination. Spearman rank correlation was used to assess construct validity, and a Chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05 was used to compare the responses between both groups. Results: The study showed that about 89% of gynaecologists and 92.3% of radiologists can identify CLP during the initial assessment of the foetus using ultrasound technique, whereas 30.90% of gynaecologists and 36.50% of radiologists have encountered elective termination of pregnancy due to CLP. While 89.70% of gynaecologists and 88.50% of radiologists do not know pre-surgical orthopaedic procedures for CLP. No statistically significant difference existed in the knowledge level about CLP and its treatment regimens among both groups. Conclusion. The awareness and attitude among the OB-GYNs, and radiologists on prenatal detection of CLP was found to be highly significant. At the same time, there was limited knowledge among these specialists about CLP and its management.