An Idea Nursing Journal
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): Online First

Information Needs of Parents Caring for Children with Leukemia: A Qualitative Exploration

Susi Roida Simanjuntak (Universitas Sam Ratulangi)
Khairun Nisa (Universitas Sam Ratulangi)
Fitriani Fitriani (Universitas Sam Ratulangi)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Oct 2026

Abstract

Background: Parents of children with leukemia experience an intensive and prolonged treatment process that frequently leads to significant psychological distress. As they adapt to their caregiving roles, these parents seek information from various sources; however, their information needs often go unmet, and little research examines how these needs change across the treatment trajectory. Objective: This study explored the information needs of parents of children with leukemia, focusing on the sources and content of information they use and the barriers they face in meeting these needs. Method: We used a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 13 parents of 12 children diagnosed with leukemia at the Estella Pediatric Oncology Center, Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado, Indonesia, between September 1 and 30, 2025. We recruited participants through purposive sampling until data saturation was achieved. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis in NVivo 15. Result:We identified two primary themes. The first theme, information during the care of a child with leukemia, encompassed sources of information (healthcare providers, the internet, and peer parents) and content areas (nutrition, hygiene, and activity restriction). The second theme, barriers to information, included psychological, cognitive, interactional, and family support barriers, which were most prominent early in treatment and diminished as trust with healthcare providers increased. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of healthcare providers pacing and personalizing communication based on parents' readiness, as well as implementing community-based education to address stigma and misconceptions related to childhood cancer.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

INJ

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

journal that publishes material on health development and other research of health. This INJ provides the ideal platform for the discussion of more sophisticated other research and Health practice for authors and readers world wide. The priorities are originality and ...