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

Abstract

The study was done among mothers of infants attending Children#x2019;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.