Revealing a Cleft in the Community: A Systematic Review of Sociodemographic Disparities Affecting the Care of Patients With Cleft Lip

Abstract

Comprehensive management of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) often begins prenatally, continues into adulthood, and involves multidisciplinary collaboration. This study aims to review the current literature and summarize sociodemographic disparities that impact access to care, management, and postoperative outcomes in patients with CL/P. A systematic review was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, and Medline databases. Studies discussing sociodemographic disparities regarding access to care, management, and treatment outcomes for patients with CL/P were included. Studies performed outside the US and published before the year 2000 were excluded. Of 3782 studies initially identified, 26 met the inclusion criteria. Disparities discussed included access to care (n = 11), missed appointments (n = 2), use of nasoalveolar molding [NAM] (n = 3), surgical timing (n = 8), and surgical outcomes (n = 8). Minority race or ethnicity, particularly black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native-American, as well as public insurance were associated with impaired access to care. Other factors causing impaired access to care were non-English primary language and high cost. Predictors for missed appointments were black race and Medicaid insurance. Decreased use of or success with NAM was associated with Asian race, public insurance, and long travel distance to a cleft care center. Factors associated with delayed CL surgery were Asian or black race, Hispanic ethnicity, public insurance, and non-English primary language. Surgical outcomes were assessed using various esthetic, speech, and quality of life measures; factors linked to worse outcomes included black or latin race and public insurance. Patients with CL/P from minority racial or ethnic groups, particularly black, Asian, and Hispanic, as well as those with public insurance are disproportionately impacted by health disparities. Disparities related to age, geographic location, and primary language have also been reported, among others. Statewide or institutional social programs may help address these disparities.