Sociodemographic profile of orofacial cleft patients in India: A hospital-based study

Aim: Long-term health of the stomatognathic system as well as esthetic aspects is the therapeutic goals in patients with orofacial clefts (OFCs). The aim of this study was to assess the sociodemographic profile of patients with OFCs in India. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 108 cleft patients. Subjects were divided into three groups. Group 1: Patients with cleft lip (CL), Group 2: Subjects with cleft palate and Group 3: Subjects with CL alveolus and palate (CLAP). A pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used. Socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed using Pareek’s scale for the rural population and Kuppuswamy’s scale for the urban population. Results: Among the 108 study subjects, 69 (63.9%) were males, and 39 (36.1%) were females. 64 (59.2%) study subjects were residing in rural areas, and 44 (40.8%) were residing in urban areas. 29 (26.80%) from rural areas and 21 (19.50%) from the urban areas had a family income below Rs. 5001-10000. In rural areas, 47 (73.40%) study subjects belonged to the middle class and 17 (26.60%) study subjects belonged to the lower middle class. In urban areas, 20 (45.50%) study subjects belonged to the middle class and 24 (54.50%) study subjects belonged to the lower class. Conclusion: Most of the study subjects in rural areas belonged to middle SES, whereas in urban areas belonged to lower SES.