Assessing Parental Awareness of Childhood Cancer in the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Awareness of childhood cancer among parents improves childcare, facilitating early diagnosis and adherence to treatment.  However, many parents often lack adequate awareness about cancer, including its definition, causes, treatment methods, and  side effects. This study assesses childhood cancer awareness among parents visiting the pediatric oncology unit of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) in Ethiopia.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2022 involving 386 parents of children with cancer.  Parents were selected consecutively and interviewed using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed  using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, including numerical values and proportions, were used to present the data in tables and  graphs. Chi-square tests were employed to assess variations in parental awareness based on demographic variables.

Result: Only 57  parents (15%) had heard of childhood cancer before their child’s diagnosis. The primary sources of information included TV (39; 67.2%),  radio (35; 60.3%), and neighbors/relatives (21; 36.2%). Cancer was defined as a fatal, worrisome, and uncomfortable illness by 55.2%,  69.4%, and 62.2% of parents, respectively. The majority (328; 85.3%) of parents was unaware of its causes. and approximately 41.7% were  not aware of possible side effects of cancer treatment. Nearly all (98.2%) parents reported that they believe cancer is curable with treatment. The most common reactions among parents upon first hearing their child’s diagnosis were shock (330; 85.5%) followed by  fear (194; 50.3%). Awareness of the causes of childhood cancer, treatment side effects and prior knowledge of cancer before their child’s  diagnosis were associated with factors such as place of residence, educational level, and household income.

Conclusion: Parents’  awareness of childhood cancer, its treatment side effects, and its causes was found to be low. Most parents perceive cancer as a fatal,  fearful, uncomfortable, and painful condition. The study recommends increasing media awareness about childhood cancer and  implementing structured education and counseling programs for parents regarding its causes, treatment options, side effects, and  prognosis. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2024; 38(4): 00-00]