Beliefs and practices regarding childhood fever among parents: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

Abstract

BackgroundFever is an extremely common occurrence in paediatric patients and the most common cause for a child to be taken to the doctor. The literature indicates that parents have too many misconceptions and conflicting information about fever management. The aim of this study was to identify parents’ beliefs and practices regarding childhood fever management.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among parents whose children were enrolled and presented for health care at primary health care clinics in the Nablus region of Palestine. Data were collected using structured questionnaire interviews with parents. The questionnaire consisted of ‘yes/no’ responses and multiple-response questions. Descriptive statistics were used.ResultsOverall, 402 parents were interviewed. All parents believed that fever could cause at least one harmful effect if left untreated. The harmful effects most frequently reported by parents were brain damage (38.1%), dehydration (15.7%), and other organs damage such as liver and kidney damage (14.2%). The study showed that 65.4% of parents would recognise fever by only touching the child, 31.6% would measure the temperature and 3.0% would assess temperature by touching and measuring the child. Antipyretic was preferred to be used by 34.8% of parents, while 49.8% stated that they preferred cold sponges, and 3.2% stated that they preferred homeopathic methods to treat fever. The most common factors influencing frequency of medication administration included physician’s instruction (61.7%), the degree of elevated temperature (14.9%) and instructions on the medication leaflet (13.7%). Of the participant parents, 53.2% believed antipyretics used to reduce fever were harmful. Parents reported the most harmful outcomes from these antipyretics to be allergic reactions (20.9%), effects on the stomach (16.9%), kidney damage (16.2%) and overdose (11.4%).ConclusionsParents were anxious when dealing with a feverish child, which resulted in incorrect or inappropriate practices. Parents require reliable evidence-based information about the care of feverish children. These results indicate a need to develop and evaluate educational programs in our setting that will provide parents with education on fever and fever management.

Effectiveness of Awareness Programme on Knowledge and Practice Regarding Management of Minor Ailments among Care Givers of Children Under 5 Years

“…The present study revealed that almost most of the caregiver doesn't use the thermometer for checking child temperature. The result of the study was supported by the cross-sectional study conducted by Zyoud, which showed that around two thirds of parents recognize fever in their children by non-measurement methods such as observing, by touching the child and only 31.6% measure the temperature [12].…”

Awareness of parents of children with fever

“…Similarly in a Palestine study 61% of parents used thermometer to detect fever. 5 In his study more than 50% of parents were graduates and it was found that knowledge of temperature measurement do significantly vary with education of parents (P=0.001). Education and mass awareness also affected the knowledge regarding time duration for keeping thermometer at axila.…”

“…1,2,4,5 Misconceptions about the dangers of fever are common. Unwanted fears about harm from fever causes lost sleep and unnecessary stress for many parents.…”

“…3,4 It is influenced by lack of information about fever management, inexperience with managing febrile children and low maternal educational level. 3,5 Majority of parents are afraid of complications of fever specially seizure or brain damage which is very rare event. 3,5 The most common causes of fever <5 day duration are upper respiratory tract infections and other viral infections which are self-limiting and for which emergency medical care is not required.…”

“…3,5 Majority of parents are afraid of complications of fever specially seizure or brain damage which is very rare event. 3,5 The most common causes of fever <5 day duration are upper respiratory tract infections and other viral infections which are self-limiting and for which emergency medical care is not required. These children can be observed and/or treated at home.…”