Assessment of Parental Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Children with Leukemia in 2024–2025: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Leukemia is among the most common childhood cancers, and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often lead to oral and dental complications. With rising survival rates, attention to oral health and its impact on quality of life has become increasingly important. Parental knowledge and practice play a vital role in preventing and managing these complications. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of parents of children with leukemia regarding oral symptoms and complications during 2024–2025. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at Seyed-al-Shohada Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. A non-random sample of 80 parents of children aged 0–18 years undergoing treatment in pediatric oncology and hematology wards was selected. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire covering demographics and KAP domains. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with Chi-Square tests for associations. Results Among the 80 participants (73.8% female), most were aged 20–40 and had educational levels below diploma. Half of the children were girls, and 71.3% had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Only 17.5% of parents demonstrated good knowledge, 53.8% had a positive attitude, and 8.8% showed adequate oral care practices. Parental education level was significantly associated with knowledge (p < 0.05), while other demographic variables showed no significant associations. Oral complications were reported in 48.8% of children, and limiting high-risk behaviors correlated with better practice scores. Recognition of early leukemia symptoms was inconsistent, and only 13% of parents sought dental care for pain or abscess. Conclusions Parents generally lacked sufficient knowledge and practice regarding oral care, despite a relatively positive attitude. The link between education and awareness highlights the importance of formal instruction in improving oral health literacy. General measures like dietary changes were common but less effective than targeted actions. These findings underscore the need for structured educational programs to enhance parental caregiving and oral health outcomes in children with leukemia.