Usage of Potential Teratogenic Chemical Preparations among Mothers of Children Attending the Multidisciplinary Cleft Clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the usage of potential teratogenic chemicals among cleft lip and palate mothers attending a multidisciplinary cleft clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Method: This is a retrospective study based on records of consecutive patients attending the multidisciplinary cleft clinic at KATH. Mothers of children with cleft lip and palate formed the study sample. Information on the use of chemical agents by the mothers either before or during the first three months of pregnancy was collected on to a specially designed form. The study period was from January 2006 to December 2012. Setting: The study was carried out in a multidisciplinary cleft clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The clinic is the main referral centre for the northern sector of Ghana for cleft lip and palate care. Results: Chemical preparations usage ranged from 0.2% for tobacco to 25.3% for skin lightening creams. Other agents used include, enema, non-proprietary concoctions and prednisolone tablets. 2.1% of the mothers ingested alcohol during pregnancy. Conclusion: There is a high level of usage of potentially teratogenic chemicals among cleft mothers attending the multidisciplinary cleft lip and palate clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Further studies are, however, required to clarify any relationship this may have with the development of orofacial clefts.