Parents’ knowledge of fever and management procedures in the case of its occurrence in children under 12 years of age
Journal Title: Postępy Nauk Medycznych - Year 2014, Vol 27, Issue 9
Abstract
Introduction. Fever is often the first sign of both a viral or a bacterial infection. Parents are the first ones to notice the child’s increased body temperature. They are also responsible for a reasonable antipyretic therapy at home. The basis of this therapy lies in the parents’ knowledge of both the fever threshold and the administration of specified doses of antipyretics. “Fever phobia” a phenomenon defined as an unjustified fear of the consequences of fever, may cause parents’ irrational behavior.Aim. The aim of the study was to test the knowledge of parents about the management rules in case of fever in children, in comparison with the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).Material and methods. Patients’ parents from the Department of Pediatrics at the Bielański Hospital in Warsaw were surveyed using a questionnaire between November 2013 and February 2014. Altogether, 200 parents of children aged 0-12 participated in this study. Parents were asked to define fever and their concerns associated with it, the methods of temperature measurement and fever management. The questionnaire consisted of 17 single and multiple choice questions.Results. Only 35% of parents (70/200) correctly identified the fever threshold (38°C) in accordance with the guidelines. 86% of parents (172/200) declared antipyretic treatment for the temperature of 38.0°C, and 14% for a lower temperature. 52% of caregivers (104/200) combine acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Surprisingly, 12% of the respondents (24/200) continue to use aspirin in children aged below 12. Pediatricians were their primary source of information about the adequate doses of antipyretics. All parents were convinced that fever can cause at least one harmful side effect – the most commonly mentioned were seizures (76.5%), delirium (49%) and dehydration (40.5%). 10.5% of parents (21/200) declared using medications only, the remaining parents combine both pharmacological and physical treatment.Conclusions. Parents’ knowledge related to managing fever symptoms in children is insufficient and frequently differs from the AAP recommendations. The phenomenon of “fever phobia” remains widespread among parents and the vast majority believe that fever is harmful. Some of the parents’ behaviors that were identified expose children to the risk of antipyretic drug overdose or misuse. Educational programs targeted at educating parents are needed to effectively manage fever in children.
Authors and Affiliations
Teresa Jackowska, Alicja Sapała-Smoczyńska, Aleksandra Rurarz, Karolina Nowicka
Keywords
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