Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of pediatric acute leukemia are crucial for improving survival outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to delays in diagnosing acute leukemia in children. A prospective observational study was conducted at a specialized hospital in Northern India, enrolling 100 children aged 0-12 years over 18 months. A combination of quantitative data and qualitative interviews was used to gather insights. Caregivers completed a standardized questionnaire alongside case record data, documenting demographic, clinical, and healthcare system-related factors. Our analysis identified several key contributors to delayed diagnosis, including female gender (P-value = 0.003), initial health responses (P-value < 0.001), lower socioeconomic status, and travel times of over 20–40 minutes to healthcare facilities. These factors were associated with diagnostic delays exceeding eight weeks. The delay between symptom onset and diagnosis was significant and may negatively impact patient outcomes. This highlights the need for targeted efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and increase awareness of leukemia symptoms among caregivers and healthcare providers.
