Assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of medical school students about fever in children

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Assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of medical school students about fever in children

Journal Title: Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences - Year 2019, Vol 4, Issue 1

Abstract

For accurate evaluation of body temperature in children, the correct technique and appropriate site for measurement must be used. This study examined the current attitudes of medical students on temperature measurement methods and definition of fever in children. A 10-item questionnaire was administered to 96 medical school students in face-to-face interviews. Four (1-4) questions were about the temperature measurement methods, 5 questions (5-9) were about the definition of fever and 1 question (10) was about to first approach to febrile children. Forty three (44.8%), 10 (10.4%) and 10 of participants would use digital, mercury-in-glass and infrared (forehead) thermometers, respectively, for measurement of body temperature. Thirty one students believed that digital thermometers were more accurate for measurement; however, 24 students considered the infrared and 16 students considered the mercury-in-glass thermometers to be accurate type. Nineteen participants had no idea about accurate type of thermometers. Almost half of the students (42.8%) considered a temperature of more than 37.5 °C to be a fever in children. Twenty (20.8%), 15 (15.6%) and 12 (12.5%) persons believed that 37 °C, 38 °C and 36.5 °C, respectively, were the upper limit of normal body temperature. Body temperature varies at different sites of temperature measurement according to 76% of the students, however, 18.8% believed that it is constant in all sites. Although more than 80% of students suggested removing clothes, warm water bath or tepid sponging on forehead and axilla as a first step in the management of a febrile child, almost no one was suggesting to give antipyretics or cold water bath. In conclusion, the majority of medical school students had inadequate knowledge and attitudes on temperature measurement methods, and evaluation and management of fever in children.

Authors and Affiliations

Mustafa BÜYÜKAVCI

Keywords

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EP ID EP453950
DOI 10.26453/otjhs.453182
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