Asian Journal of Research in Nursing and Health

Background: Childhood leukaemia is a fatal disease and the second leading cause of death around the world. Nurses are important health care provider should have adequate knowledge about the disease, its development, prevention, diagnosis and treatment approaches.

Objective: To assess the level of nurses’ knowledge regarding childhood leukaemia at a specialized hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 100 using a convenient sampling technique from the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected using a self-administered, developed semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 25 items across three (3) dimensions. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean) were done using SPSS software Version 23.

Results:  The mean age of nurses was 33.71 years, with a range of 27 to 52 years; among them, about 94% were female, and 68% were muslim by religion. The majority (93%) of the respondents were married. More than half (52%) of the nurses were Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery, 17% were Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 21% were Post Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and only 10% of nurses were MSN/MPH by their professional education. About 48% of nurses had 6-10 years of working experience in government service and also 1-5 years of working experience in the cancer department, respectively. Most of the nurses (96%) had no training on childhood leukaemia. Overall findings showed that 53% had an average level of knowledge, 38% of nurses had a good level of knowledge, and only 09% had a poor level of knowledge. The mean total knowledge score on childhood leukaemia was 18.12 out of 25, indicating an overall average level of knowledge. Nurses’ knowledge was relatively more influenced by age 30-34 years, marital status those who were married, higher professional education, and greater work experience in government and cancer hospitals and oncology-related training.

Conclusion and Recommendation: Results suggested that young adults' age, length of service and professional education of the respondents influenced to the more knowledge of childhood leukaemia. Therefore, in-service education and training through an educational program is recommended.