Residential Environment and Parental Lifestyle as Risk Factors of The Co-Occurrence of Cleft Lip and Palate Birth Defect Cases in Indonesia

Abstract

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are multifactorial birth defects, and the etiology behind their occurrence remains insufficiently understood. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between residential environmental factors, parental lifestyle, and the risk of CLP in Indonesia. A total of 213 participants from 14 provinces were selected using stratified random sampling. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to determine the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each risk factor. The study identified significant associations between several residential environmental factors and CLP. Proper kitchen ventilation was found to be protective (OR = 0.245, 95% CI: 0.096–0.624, p = 0.003), while proximity to industrial sites significantly increased the risk (OR = 3.595, 95% CI: 1.029–12.558, p = 0.045). Additionally, using treated drinking water showed a protective effect (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16–0.95, p = 0.038), whereas concerns about water sources displayed a marginally significant risk increase (OR = 2.841, 95% CI: 0.876–9.211, p = 0.082). Regarding parental lifestyle factors, maternal active smoking exhibited a marginal protective association (OR = 0.052, 95% CI: 0.002–1.09, p = 0.057), while paternal passive smoking presented a marginally significant risk (OR = 2.309, 95% CI: 0.897–5.942, p = 0.083). Furthermore, paternal radiation exposure was associated with an elevated risk of CLP (OR = 3.489, 95% CI: 0.828–14.703, p = 0.089). These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate environmental exposures and promote safer parental lifestyle behaviors in Indonesia.