Parental knowledge and access barriers in the management of cleft lip and/or palate: A cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia.

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CLP) are congenital anomalies caused by improper fusion of facial structures, influenced by genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. Understanding parental knowledge and attitudes is essential, as misconceptions and limited awareness can affect the care and development of affected children. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate Saudi parents' understanding, perspectives, and behaviors concerning CLP in their children. Additionally, it sought to identify prevalent misconceptions and obstacles encountered by these parents in accessing necessary care. A cross-sectional survey was administered to parents of children with CLP in Saudi Arabia. The study utilized hospital databases, social media, and community centers to recruit participants, and collected sociodemographic details, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and care access barriers related to their children's condition. A total of 156 Saudi parents participated in the study. Most (91%) recognized the need for multidisciplinary care, and 98.1% identified surgery as the main treatment, but only 14.1% were aware of syndromic associations, and 12.8% believed CLP could be prevented. Higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with socioeconomic status (r = .433, P < .01) and proper feeding positions (B = 1.20, P = .010). The findings indicate that while Saudi parents possess adequate knowledge of surgical and multidisciplinary management of cleft conditions, gaps persist in awareness of preventive measures and early intervention. Socioeconomic disparities and limited healthcare access highlight the need for enhanced educational initiatives and improved support services.