Orofacial clefts: aspects related to the diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose: to examine aspects related to the diagnosis of oral clefts, focusing on the period in which it occurred, what was discussed, the professional responsible for transmitting information and the reactions and feelings generated. Methods: an exploratory study, both quantitative and qualitative, held at a Center for Integral Assistance on Orofacial Cleft . Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 mothers of children presenting the problem. Quantitative data were analyzed by the descriptive method and the qualitative by content analysis. Results: most of the mothers received the information from a doctor at the moment of birth or soon after. The main content of the information was about symptoms, positive prognosis, surgical treatment, etiology and comparison with other problems. The reactions to the diagnosis were shock/fright, prejudice / rejection, despair, contact with the unknown, grief /sadness, guilt. Conclusion: the results of this study are consistent with findings in the literature, which points to the late time at which congenital defects are detected and reported to the mother. One can understand that ignorance or limited knowledge about the orofacial clefts are concerned with experiences of suffering experienced by mothers after the news of the diagnosis. This study reiterates the need to expand technological devices and human resources involved in programs of comprehensive care to pregnant women, especially in the context of public health.