Introduction: Cancer remains one of the foremost causes of mortality globally, with an estimated 13.1 million deaths projected for 2030. The disease is not confined to the adult population but also affects children. Still, there is a significant lack of awareness and limited available information regarding paediatric cancers in low- and middle-income countries. This study assesses the knowledge, belief and health-seeking behaviour of caregivers who presented with children with malignancies at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex.
Methods: After informed consent was obtained, 176 caregivers of consecutive children below 15 years of age diagnosed with malignancies were administered a semi-structured, pretested, and validated questionnaire. Data were analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solution version 20, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Results: Most caregivers (83.5%) lacked knowledge about childhood malignancies, with only 16.5% showing awareness, and 73.3% believed the condition was not curable. There was a statistically significant association between the caregivers’ awareness about childhood malignancy and their level of education (p=0.007) and monthly income (p=0.022), between the caregiver’s place of first consultation and level of education (p=0.000).
Conclusion: Most caregivers are unaware of childhood malignancies, and those who are informed lack comprehensive knowledge. There is a need for public enlightenment nationwide to improve caregivers’ understanding and awareness, enhance positive health-seeking behaviours, and promote early presentation, which has significant implications for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates of childhood malignancies.