A Clinical Study of 2253 Cases of Primary and Secondary Defects Associated With Non-Syndromic Orofacial Clefts in Somalia: The First Report of Charity Operation by the Bela Risu Foundation in Somalia

Abstract

Cleft lip and/or palate deformities impose a significant burden on families, particularly in low-income communities. Somalia, characterized by an under-resourced healthcare system, encounters unique healthcare challenges from other regions. These challenges complicate the management and treatment of cleft lip and/or palate, highlighting the need for tailored healthcare strategies to address the specific needs of this population. However, a comprehensive understanding of the patterns and distribution of these deformities in Somalia remains limited. This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 2253 clinical records registered in Somalia spanning 2018–2023, obtained from the Bela Risu Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that provides free surgeries for people affected by craniofacial deformities. After meticulous record verification and data extraction, cleft pattern modeling was used to analyze each case. Data were imported to a statistical software package, SPSS, and descriptive statistics were calculated, which included means, frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations. Additionally, comparative analyses between genders were conducted. The findings revealed a significantly higher average presentation age than global findings. We also observed a greater number of males than females in orofacial cleft patients in the data recorded in Somalia that we obtained. Remarkable disparities in case distribution across states within the country were observed. Cleft lip emerged as the most observed primary defect, whereas lip and nose defects subsequent to surgical treatment of primary clefts constituted the most frequent secondary defect. These findings shed light on the unique patterns and distribution of cleft lip and palate deformities in Somalia, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support systems.