Predictors of non-adherence to pre-surgical naso-alveolar molding therapy in infants with cleft lip & palate

Cleft lip and palate (CLP), the most common craniofacial birth defect, is often treated with nasoalveolar molding (NAM) prior to surgical repair to improve anatomical alignment and aesthetic outcomes. Despite its benefits, NAM adherence is frequently poor due to multifactorial challenges, including socioeconomic, logistical, and caregiver-related factors. This study investigates determinants of NAM non-adherence - such as insurance status, travel distance, and cleft severity - to inform strategies that optimize treatment success and reduce surgical burden.