Paper ID: TAGJ2025002

 Factors Contributing To Delay In Seeking Care For Retinoblastoma Among Children In Malawi

Matewere Ireneo

Department of Nursing, the Catholic University of Malawi

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the factors contributing to delays in seeking care for retinoblastoma among children in Malawi. Retinoblastoma, a rare but serious eye cancer affecting young children, requires timely intervention to improve treatment outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 caregivers of children diagnosed with retinoblastoma, using a structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic, health facility, and cultural factors. The majority of respondents were parents (80.0%) of children aged 1–3 years (36.0%). The study found that socio-demographic factors, such as parental education and household income, significantly contributed to delays in seeking care. Health facility-related issues, including long waiting times and high treatment costs, further exacerbated these delays. Cultural factors, such as family advice and belief in traditional medicine, also played a major role in postponing proper medical care. The findings underscore that delays in seeking care for retinoblastoma are influenced by a complex interplay of socio-demographic, health facility, and cultural factors. It is recommended that the government invest in improving healthcare infrastructure, strengthening referral systems, and implementing policies to make healthcare more affordable and accessible in order to reduce delays in care for children with retinoblastoma.

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