ADUBAL E ANTHONIA

Delayed presentation to emergency services represents a significant challenge in paediatric healthcare, often resulting in adverse outcomes and increased mortality. Understanding parental knowledge and perceptions regarding delayed presentation is crucial for developing effective interventions to improve timely care-seeking behaviour. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of the consequences of delayed presentation among parents attending the children's emergency unit at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria. This descriptive cross-sectional survey utilized purposive sampling technique to recruit 145 parents attending the children's emergency unit at UBTH. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of consequences of delayed presentation, perception of delayed presentation, and factors responsible for delayed presentation. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The study achieved a 96.5% response rate with 140 valid questionnaires. Most respondents were female (62.9%), married (68.6%), and had tertiary education (37.9%). The findings revealed that 74% of parents demonstrated good knowledge of the consequences of delayed presentation, while 69% exhibited positive perceptions regarding the importance of timely emergency care. Financial constraints (mean=3.2), hope for home recovery (mean=3.2), and transportation difficulties (mean=3.1) were identified as the most influential factors responsible for delayed presentation. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between knowledge and perception of delayed presentation among parents (χ²=1.12, p=0.29). Despite good knowledge and positive perceptions among most parents regarding the consequences of delayed presentation, socioeconomic factors continue to significantly influence timely healthcare-seeking behaviours
for paediatric emergencies. Health education programs should be intensified to reach the 26% of parents with poor knowledge. Healthcare policies addressing financial barriers to emergency care access should be implemented.