ABSTRACT

Although fever is mostly not a sign of a serious disease, it causes concern in parents as well as frequent admissions to pediatric emergency units. Healthcare professionals are aware that fever is a natural defense system of the body, however, most families administer antipyretics early and frequently. The present study was performed as a descriptive study to demonstrate the level of knowledge, attitudes and behavior patterns regarding fever among the parents of patients brought to our tertiary care pediatric emergency unit with the complaint of fever.

The researchers approached parents in the emergency department and informed them about the study. A 22-item questionnaire was given to the parents.

A total of 200 parents participated in the study and 91% of them were mothers. 73% of patients presented to the emergency department with the only complaint of fever. At admission, 36% of patients were found to have a body temperature of >38 °C. 58% of parents reported a temperature of >38 °C to define fever. 47.5% of parents determined fever by measurement and 84.5% of them reported having temperature measurement device in their house. 62.5% of participants stated that they have acquired knowledge about fever from health professionals. The majority of parents (83.5%), independent from their educational level, were using antipyretics with a right dose and interval based on healthcare professionals’ recommendations.

Compared to the previous studies, a moderate improvement was noted in the parents’ knowledge of fever and their communications with the physicians. However, parents still continued to experience a state of panic and anxiety, and to perform incorrect interventions. There is still a need for comprehensive family educations, and continuous education may improve the management of children suffering from fever and reduce the number of emergency department admissions.

Keywords: Fever, fever knowledge of parents, family education