Abstract 40: The Quantitative Assessment of Caregiver Understanding in Pediatric Oncology

Abstract Purpose: The 60% disparity in childhood cancer survival between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) is driven by multiple factors, including limited knowledge about childhood cancer. In countries with limited resources, such as Tanzania, low-cost education strategies have the potential to improve outcomes. This study aims to assess the baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among caregivers of children with cancer at a regional cancer referral hospital in Tanzania, to determine the need for the implementation of education strategies in our region. Methods: A researcher-developed, Swahili translated and culturally validated KAP survey was administered to consenting caregivers of children (age <18yo) diagnosed with cancer in the last year. The survey had 21 total questions on general cancer knowledge, supportive care needs, attitudes toward potential curability, and personal practices. KAP scores were reported as average correct for knowledge, Likert scale for attitude with 4 or 5 indicating favorable attitude, and binary practice scoring. Kruskal- Wallis rank sum tests were conducted to compare the distributions of continuous predictors across categories. For pairwise comparisons, Dunn’s test with Bonferroni correction was used to identify significant differences. Results: A total of 76 surveys were included in the analysis. Most caregivers were parents (72%) or siblings (12%). The average knowledge score was low at 56% (IQR=31), with 70% of the participants reporting being unfamiliar with supportive/palliative care. Knowledge scores differed significantly by employment groups, with employed scoring higher than unemployed (employed:67, unemployed:57, p<0.001). No differences were seen by age or sex. 62% had a favorable attitude that cancer could be cured in children, and most reported good health practices, such as always washing hands before eating. Conclusion: The findings indicate that caregivers of pediatric cancer patients in Tanzania have limited knowledge about childhood cancer, which varies significantly by employment status. The observed association between knowledge and employment groups highlights an opportunity to develop tailored educational interventions. Future efforts should focus on leveraging these insights to improve health literacy, ultimately reducing the burden of childhood cancer in this population. Citation Format: Linda Msinjili, Camilla Emsbo, Norbert Mtenga, Erick Magese, Lucy Ntibiraba, Heronima Kashaigili, Kristin Schroeder. The Quantitative Assessment of Caregiver Understanding in Pediatric Oncology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 40.