To Assess the Effectiveness of Planned Teaching Program on Knowledge Regarding Management of Children with Leukemia Among Parents

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of Planned Teaching Program on knowledge regarding Management of children with leukemia among Parents. Introduction: Leukemia is a severe illness that profoundly impacts a child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. This group of blood cancers originates in the bone marrow and leads to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. Childhood leukemia is often a devastating blow to families. Treatments can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplants, alongside supportive and palliative care as needed. In some cases, leukemia may be managed with watchful waiting. In 2012, leukemia affected 352,000 individuals worldwide and resulted in 265,000 fatalities. It is the most prevalent type of cancer in children, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia comprising three-quarters of these cases. Conversely, about 90% of all leukemia diagnoses occur in adults, predominantly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This disease is more commonly observed in developed countries. Parents are increasingly assuming the role of primary caregivers for children with leukemia. They have become crucial members of the healthcare team, managing various physical, emotional, and social impacts of the disease. Methodology: Fifty parents of children with leukemia, admitted to specific areas of SKIMS hospital in Srinagar, Kashmir, were chosen using purposive sampling. The study employed a pre-experimental, one-group pre-test and post-test design, with data collected via a self-structured interview schedule. Results: Out of 50 study subjects, 11(22%) were in the age group of < 30 years and 39 (78%) were in the age group of >30 years. 35 (70%) were fathers and 15 (30%) were mothers of Leukemic children. 24 (48%) of the study subjects were from nuclear family and 26(52%) were from joint family. 41 (82%) were from rural area and 9(18%) were from urban area. 3(6%) of study subjects were laborers, 24(48%) were business men, 11 (22%) were govt employees and 12(24%) were house wives. 12(24%) of study subjects were illiterate,14(28%) was educated up to secondary, 11(22%) were educated up to higher secondary and 13(26%) were of graduate and above levels. In pre-test level of knowledge, 41 (82%) of the study subjects had inadequate knowledge, 9 (18%) had moderate level of knowledge and none had adequate level of knowledge regarding management of leukemia. The mean pre-test knowledge score was (16.76) which improved to (26.58) in post-test at (p< 0.001). A significant association was found between Occupational status of parents (p≤ 0.000), Education status of parents (p≤0.000). Whereas no association was found between age of parents, relationship with child, type of family, residence and the pre-test knowledge scores (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Planned teaching programme improved the knowledge of parents regarding management of Children with Leukemia. Improvement in knowledge among parents of leukemic children was assessed by taking post-test after 6 days.