Knowledge and practice of caregivers for the management of their febrile children: Bangladesh perspective

Abstract

Background: Fever is the most common pediatric symptom and one of the most prevalent public health issues, which warrants frequent visits to the doctors. Evidence-based practices are widely lacking due to a scarcity of knowledge regarding the management of febrile children. Objective: This study aims to determine caregivers' knowledge and practices for managing their febrile children and to assess the factors influencing these practices. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two military hospitals in Bangladesh. The study subjects comprised a convenient sample of 350 caregivers attending the OPD with a feverish child under twelve years. Results: Knowledge about fever management was deficient in the majority of participants, in terms of fever definition, the Paracetamol dose, and frequency. Most of the participants were worried about febrile convulsions. Unsatisfactory practices were observed in regards to faulty temperature measurement, giving inadequate fluid to febrile children, and preferring antibiotics to reduce body temperature. Maternal age, education level of the mother, income of the family, number of children, occupation of the mother, type of family, and history of recurrent illness in children were found to be significantly associated with the knowledge and practice level of parents. Conclusion: Poor knowledge and unsatisfactory practice of the parents regarding the management of their febrile children lead to undue concern, which increases the burden on healthcare facilities. It provides insight for healthcare providers to enhance parental expertise by offering evidence-based information and spreading awareness in the community to augment the general outcomes of febrile episodes in children.