Febrile seizures: perceptions and knowledge of parents of affected and unaffected children

Abstract

Febrile seizures (FS) in children are common, but little is known about parents’ perceptions and knowledge of FS. We interviewed parents of children aged 6 months to 6 years affected by FS (FS group, 65 parents) or unaffected (control group, 54 parents). In the FS group, 32% said they knew their child had an FS when the first event occurred, and 89% described fear when the child had a seizure, with a median intensity of 10/10 (Q25/Q75: 9/10). Related to follow-up, 77% in the FS group (will) observe their child more carefully after the first seizure happened, and 63% (will) give antipyretics earlier at a median temperature of 38.2 °C (100.8 °F). In the FS group, 62% were unaware of FS before the first event (54% of control group did not know about FS thus far, n.s.). In the FS group, 20% would put a solid object in the mouth of a child having a seizure (control group, 39%, p = 0.030), and 92% would administer an available anti-seizure rescue medication (control group, 78%, p = 0.019). In the FS group, 71% feared that children with FS might suffocate (control group, 70%, n.s.).Conclusion: Information about FS and their management should be more available to improve parents’ coping and patient safety. What is Known:• Febrile seizures in children are common.• The prognosis of children suffering from febrile seizures is usually rather good. What is New:• Over half of parents had not informed themselves about febrile seizures so far; and only 32% of parents realized their child had a febrile seizure when it occurred.• Most parents described own fear with a median intensity of 10/10; and 63% (will) give antipyretics earlier at a median temperature of 38.2 °C (100.8 °F).

The non-clinical burden of febrile seizures: a systematic review

“…The literature search process is reported in the Supplementary Material Figure S1 . Seven surveys (46.7%) reported an insufficient parental knowledge, suggesting the need for educational interventions ( 8 , 16 , 17 , 21 – 23 , 25 ). Huang et al conducted a survey about parental knowledge and concerns regarding FS in Taiwan and showed that the majority of involved caregivers had high concerns and inadequate knowledge on first-aid practices ( 22 ).…”

“…Nevertheless, the non-clinical burden of this condition is still underestimated ( 6 , 7 ). Parental anxiety and education, as well as the direct and indirect costs associated with FS, are important factors that affect the clinical management and need for a specific focus ( 8 ). The subjective burden experienced by caregivers whose child experiences FS encompasses various dimensions, including concerns about the child's health, family dynamics, and the broader implications for public health.…”

Study of demography risk factors of simple and complex febrile seizure and associated infection in children at tertiary care center

“…5 Although benign, with rare instances of a long term sequale, they pose a significant apprehension and anxiety to the parents. 6 Febrile seizure tend to recur in 30-50% of children following the first febrile seizure. They are seen to occur with two seasonal peaks, November to January and June to August, which correspond to peaks of viral upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections respectively.…”

Management of children with febrile seizures: a Greek nationwide survey

“…Even though simple febrile seizures are considered benign events with an excellent prognosis [ 1 ], the phobia around them persists [ 6 , 7 ]. Pediatricians play a significant role in this phenomenon by prolonging outdated habits.…”