Background of the Study
Childhood leukemia is a group of cancers that affect the blood and bone marrow, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) being the most common type in children. This condition requires prompt diagnosis and intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and sometimes bone marrow transplantation. Nurses play an essential role in the management of childhood leukemia, offering not only direct medical care but also emotional and psychological support to both the child and their family (Abah et al., 2024). Effective management involves understanding the disease, its treatment regimen, potential side effects, and the long-term care needs of survivors.
At Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, there is a growing recognition of the need to improve care for pediatric cancer patients. However, there are concerns regarding the level of nurses' awareness of childhood leukemia and the practices they employ in managing this condition. Although nurses may be familiar with basic oncology principles, the complexities of childhood leukemia—ranging from its diagnosis to treatment side effects and psychological implications—require specialized knowledge (Okoro et al., 2023). Moreover, research suggests that inadequate knowledge among healthcare providers can lead to suboptimal management, delays in treatment, and poor patient outcomes (Akinmoladun et al., 2024).
This study will evaluate the awareness and management strategies employed by nurses at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital regarding childhood leukemia, highlighting knowledge gaps and potential improvements in nursing practice.
Statement of the Problem
Childhood leukemia, if not managed correctly, can lead to poor outcomes, including death. Nurses at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, though critical in providing care, may lack comprehensive knowledge about the disease and its management, which may result in inadequate care for pediatric leukemia patients. Understanding the gaps in their knowledge and management practices is crucial to improving care and outcomes for these vulnerable patients.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the level of nurses' awareness of childhood leukemia at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital.
To evaluate the management practices employed by nurses in handling childhood leukemia.
To identify barriers to optimal care for children with leukemia and recommend improvements.
Research Questions
What is the level of awareness among nurses regarding childhood leukemia at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital?
How do nurses manage the care of children diagnosed with leukemia?
What challenges do nurses face in providing care to children with leukemia at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
There is no significant relationship between nurses' awareness of childhood leukemia and the quality of care they provide.
Nurses with specialized training in pediatric oncology are more likely to follow best practices in the management of childhood leukemia.
Institutional factors, such as the availability of resources and training, do not significantly affect nurses' ability to manage childhood leukemia effectively.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working in the pediatric oncology unit at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital. The limitations include potential biases in self-reported data and the fact that the study will be conducted in one hospital, which may limit generalizability.
Definitions of Terms
Childhood Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow in children.
Oncology Nursing: A specialized branch of nursing focused on the care of cancer patients.
Pediatric Oncology: A branch of oncology that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children.
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