Tongue-Tie in Children; Mothers Perceptions, Attitudes and Practices in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Dr peace Ibo opara; kergracia Unknown

Authors

Dr peace Ibo opara
kergracia Unknown

Keywords:

tongue tie, ankyloglossia, children, mothers, perceptions, practices, treatment, complications of treatment

Abstract

The study was done among mothers of infants attending Children's Out Patient Clinics of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital using a semi-structured questionnaire. Information obtained included biodata, knowledge of tongue tie, cultural beliefs, symptoms, treatment, and complications. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17.0. There were 250 participants. 238 (95.2%) knew about tongue tie. Commonest symptom identified was inability to cry well. Cultural beliefs were that all babies should have routine clipping of the frenulum at birth (48.8%). 154 (61.6%) believed treatment should be between ages 0-1 month. Ninety two (36.8%) mothers had had babies treated for tongue tie, mostly by nurses either using scissors (40; 43.5%) or their finger nails (26; 28.2%). Complications included bleeding, fever and soft tissue injuries. Mothers are aware of tongue tie but need enlightenment on its mostly benign nature, and the need to seek professional advice when concerned about it.

Downloads

How to Cite

Tongue-Tie in Children; Mothers Perceptions, Attitudes and Practices in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. (2013). Global Journal of Medical Research, 13(16), 19-23. https://medicalresearchjournal.org/index.php/GJMR/article/view/

Download Citation

Author Biography

Dr peace Ibo opara

Dr. Peace I. Opara is a medical professional specializing in Paediatrics at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. She holds an MBBS degree from the University of Port Harcourt. Her research focuses on child health, as demonstrated by her published work on tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and prelacteal feeding practices in Port Harcourt. She is a fellow member of an international academic body and has contributed to the medical literature in Nigeria.

References

Bloom Buryk M (2011) Efficacy of Neonatal Release of Ankyloglossia: A Randomized Trial. 128, 280-288.

Lalakea ML, Messner AH (2003) Ankyloglossia: does it matter?. 50(2), 381-397.

Messner AH, Lalakea ML, Aby J, Macmohan J, Bair E (2000) Ankyloglossia: incidence and associated feeding difficulties. 126(1), 36-39.

J. Edmund, S. Miles, P. Fulbrook (2011) Breast feeding review 2011. 19(1), 19-26.

L. Segal, R. Stephenson, M. Dawes, P. Feldman (2007) Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of ankyloglossia: methodologic review. 53(6), 1027-1033.

G. Friend, E. Harris, H. Miner, T. Fong, K. Carnith (1990) Oral anomalies in the neonate by race and gender in an urban setting. 12, 157-161.

R. Ruffoli, M. Giambelluca, M. Scavuzzo, D. Bonfigli, R. Cristofani, M. Gabriele, M. Giuca, F. Giannessi (2005) Ankyloglossia: a morphofunctional investigation in children. 11(3), 170-174.

Peace Opara, Nneka Gabriel-Job, Kingsley Opara (2012) Opara PI, Gabriel-Job N, Opara KO. Neonates presenting with severe complications of frenotomy- a case series. 6(1), 77. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-6-77

C. Horton (1969) Tongue tie. 6, 8-23.

Aubel J Grandmothers: a learning institution.

M. Van Zyl (2012) Van Zyl M.The Ekwendeni Agogo Approach: grandparents as agents of change for newborn survival. http://www.healthynewbornnetwork.org

Laurant M, Reeves D, Hermens R, Braspenning J, Grol R, Sibbald B (2005) Substitution of doctors by nurses in primary health care. 2005, 2.

P. Johnson (2006) Tongue tie exploring the myths. 2, 96-97.

O. Osifo, E. Osaigbovo (2008) Ankyloglossia in Benin City. 3, 49-54.