2023, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A

Background: Clefts of the lip, palate, or both are the most prevalent form of or facial congenital abnormality among neonates. In improving the health of neonates born with craniofacial deformities, neonatal nurses played a crucial role in educating parents and spreading awareness about the disease. Aim: to assess mothers' knowledge and practices regarding cleft palate and infant feeding patterns. The study was a descriptive study conducted at the Pediatric surgical patients Unit at Minia University Hospital for Obstetrics and Pediatrics.

Sample: A convenient sample of 30 mothers of children having cleft palate was included in this study.

The Tools of Data Collection: 1) a pre-designed questionnaire sheet to assess mothers' knowledge about the cleft palate, 2) an assessment checklist of mothers' practice regarding Feeding patterns.3) Observation checklists to assess feeding preparation, 4) Egyptian Growth Curve Chart (EGCC). Results: the majority of mothers had unsatisfactory levels of knowledge related to cleft palate. The majority of them had unsatisfactory levels of practices regarding their infants feeding. There was a statistically significant difference in total knowledge and practice scores of the mothers regarding cleft palate related to age.

Conclusion: Lack of awareness and preventative measures taken by mothers regarding cleft palate. Recommendations: Offer periodic in-service training sessions for mothers on the issue of cleft palate knowledge and feeding practice.