AVALIAÇÃO DO PERFIL SOCIOECONÔMICO DE CRIANÇAS PORTADORAS DE FISSURAS LABIOPALATINAS EM SERVIÇO DE REFERÊNCIA

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the socioeconomic profile of children with clefts in a population assisted at a referral hospital in the state of Paraíba. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, observational, analytical, retrospective, and quantitative study conducted between September 2022 and August 2023. The research was carried out at the Cleft Lip and Palate Service of the Lauro Wanderley University Hospital (HULW), linked to the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24.0. Nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H) and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient were applied. The significance level adopted was 5%, and the confidence interval was 95%. Results: The study included 79 caregivers of children with cleft lip (18.2%), cleft palate (23.4%), and cleft lip and palate (58.4%). Regarding the socioeconomic profile, 42.7% of the families had an income of up to 1 minimum wage, and 45.3% had an income of between 1 and 3 minimum wages. It was observed that 80.5% of the pregnancies were desired, 60.3% were planned, and the use of folic acid and ferrous sulfate was reported by 84.6% of the pregnant women. Regarding knowledge of risk factors, 58.2% were aware of environmental factors, with smoking (76%) being the most recognized. The analyses indicated an association between family income and the number of prenatal consultations and between maternal education and the use of folic acid. There was no association between maternal education and the use of ferrous sulfate, nor between education and knowledge of risk factors. Conclusion: This study analyzed the socioeconomic profile of children with cleft lip and palate and their families, highlighting the importance of gestational planning, folic acid use, and knowledge about risk factors. The data reinforce the need for educational actions to improve prenatal care and reduce the incidence of cleft lip and palate through effective public policies.