Epidemiology of Craniofacial Anomalies: A Retrospective Analysis at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Southern India

Craniofacial anomalies are congenital malformations that impact essential functions like breathing, feeding, and speech, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This retrospective study analyzed 54 cases of craniofacial anomalies in neonates at a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka, India, from 2022 to 2023. Data was extracted from electronic medical records and entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Most cases were from rural areas (92.6%) and predominantly male (68.5%), with 60.4% being first-born children. The notable percentage of CFAs among male, firstborn children from rural areas underscores the need for enhanced prenatal diagnostics and early intervention in underserved communities. Further research into region-specific genetic and environmental factors may provide valuable insights for reducing the incidence of CFAs.