Policies & Health Management السياسات والإدارة الصحية

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Browsing Policies & Health Management السياسات والإدارة الصحية by Author "Aysheh Mohammad Ibrahim Abbad"

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    Parents' Experiences of Having a Child with Cleft Lip and Palate in the West Bank/ Palestine: A Qualitative Study
    (Al-Quds University, 2026-01-03) Aysheh Mohammad Ibrahim Abbad; عايشة عباد
    Background: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are the most common congenital anomalies affecting the mouth and related structures. Children born with congenital craniofacial defects, as (CLP), require long-term, multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches, which makes parents experience a range of emotions, including helplessness, guilt, uncertainty, pain, and even depression. Aim: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of parents who have children with cleft lip and palate in Palestine Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was utilized to investigate the experiences of parents with children who have cleft lip and palate in the West Bank/Palestine. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit these parents through the Operation Smile organization in Hebron. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with the parents, which continued until data saturation was achieved. The interview guide comprised five main questions, along with supplementary probe questions. Eleven interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Results: The experiences of parents with children who have cleft lip and palate in Palestine are profoundly challenging and can be categorized into three major themes and eight subthemes. The three major themes included facing the hardship with dedication to their child care, concerns during the complex surgical journey, and social stigma and gaps in family and healthcare support. Overall, these findings provide an in-depth understanding of parent adaptation, resilience, and coping within Palestinian sociocultural and structural settings. Conclusion: Parents of children with cleft lip and palate in Palestine face significant emotional, social, and practical difficulties influenced by cultural, economic, and healthcare system limitations. These findings highlight the necessity for family-oriented, culturally attuned support services and enhanced professional guidance during the treatment process.