Health Education Barriers for Ghanaian Parents of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate: Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Health education plays a critical role in managing congenital anomalies like cleft lip and palate (CL/P). It equips parents with the knowledge and confidence needed for effective care, addressing medical, nutritional, and psychosocial challenges. In Ghana, where CL/P prevalence exceeds the global average and no national health education guidelines exist, initiatives often overlook culturally tailored approaches.

Objective: To explore health education perceptions and barriers faced by Ghanaian parents of children with CL/P, guided by the social-ecological model at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.

Methods: This qualitative study collected data through face-to-face, in-depth semi-structured interviews. Using criterion-based purposive sampling with maximum variation, parents of children with CL/P who visited the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, were selected. Thematic content analysis was employed to interpret the data and identify themes and subthemes.

Results: Three themes were identified from analysis of data from 21 parents: 1) social challenges in educational and community settings; 2) inadequate health education information, characterized by overreliance on hospital-based oral instruction with limited availability of written or visual materials; and 3) lack of support facilities, organizations, and government policies beyond the hospital setting. Findings reveal multilevel barriers to effective CL/P health education in Ghana, including knowledge gaps, community stigma, limited organizational support, and absent national policy guidelines.

Discussion: Addressing multilevel barriers to CL/P health education in Ghana requires culturally appropriate, multilingual materials; community outreach beyond hospitals; and national guidelines to improve outcomes for children with CL/P. Participants, while satisfied with surgical care, highlighted the need for better access to educational materials, stronger support networks, and greater public awareness to improve outcomes for children with CL/P.Knowledge Transfer Statement:This study provides important findings to inform community health education programs for parents, training workshops for clinicians on family-centered care, and policy briefs to inform health care leaders. It highlights the need to develop culturally appropriate educational materials to bridge knowledge gaps. Strengthening collaboration between hospitals, schools, and local governments will ensure that improved health education, psychosocial support, and outreach services are integrated into cleft care initiatives, ultimately enhancing outcomes for children with orofacial clefts.