Analysis of Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Non-Syndromic Orofacial Cleft Among Newborns at Celebes Cleft Center in Makassar

Non-syndromic orofacial cleft (NSOFC) is a congenital facial anomaly of cleft lip, cleft palate, or both, most commonly affecting the craniofacial region and oral cavity. The etiology is multifactorial, combining endogenous (genetic) with environmentally influenced exogenous factors. This study aimed to determine and analyze the risk factors for the incidence of NSOFC.

This case-control study was conducted at Celebes Cleft Center in Makassar. The case group consisted of 80 newborns with cleft lip and palate, and the control group consisted of 106 newborns without cleft lip and palate. Data collected included sex, type of NSOFC, age of respondents, educational level, risk factors for NSOFC incidence from patient medical records and interview results. Data were collected in an Excel table and analyzed using the Stata program using the Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression.

The results showed that NSOFC mostly occurred in newborns of male gender (58.75%). The most common type of NSOFC was cleft lip accompanied by cleft palate then cleft lip, and the least was cleft palate. Maternal risk factors that were significant for the incidence of cleft lip and palate/NSOFC were maternal occupation (OR=25.037; 95%CI=5.812-222.113; p<0.001), family history of orofacial cleft (OR=11.666; 95%CI=1.493-522.396; p=0.005), history of tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy (OR=2.64; 95%CI=1.355-5.187; p=0.002). The most dominant risk factor was maternal occupation.

The type of maternal occupation, family history of orofacial cleft, and maternal history of tobacco smoking are risk factors for the incidence of lip and palate cleft or NSOFC.