Knowledge of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate among Medical Students of a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Background: Sufficient knowledge and awareness of cleft lip and palate deformity is required to identify and manage at the condition at the earliest.

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the awareness and knowledge of medical students on cleft lip and palate. To assess the understanding of the possible causative factors of cleft lip and palate among the same population.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 128 medical students attending a tertiary care hospital in south India. This was performed through a researcher administered questionnaire which contained queries regarding risk factors and management.

Results: A total of 89.1% of the subjects were aware of the term cleft lip and palate with the majority being females. Though they were not well informed regarding the treatment procedures, and timings. The results were then interpreted in table formats for better understanding of the level of education on the topic.

Conclusion: There is a general lacking of experience in the diagnosis and management of cleft lip and palate among medical students which should be addressed to ensure timely cure and quality of life of the patients.