Barriers and delays in access to cleft surgery among children with cleft deformities in Rwanda: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Although timely surgery is essential for improving general health and psychosocial outcomes, delays in cleft surgery remain common in low- and middle-income countries, including Rwanda, where little is known about the underlying causes. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing delays in cleft surgery in Rwanda using the four-delay framework.

Design

A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted between April and July 2024. We conducted 29 in-depth interviews with 15 caregivers of children with orofacial clefts and 14 healthcare providers involved in cleft care. Transcripts were analysed thematically using an inductive-deductive hybrid approach in MAXQDA (V.24), guided by the four-delay framework while allowing themes to emerge from the data.

Sett

SUBMITTER: Mukanahayo E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12778322 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature