Parental Knowledge Regarding Management of Fever in Children

Background: The parents fear the secondary effects of fever, such as febrile seizures or brain injury. Analgesics and antipyretics account for a significant number of medication errors in children. Therefore assessing parent’s knowledge in managing fever is necessary to decrease unnecessary presentations in hospitals along with unintentional over and under dosing with antipyretics.

Objective: To assess the parental approach to fever in children aged 0 to 14 years old in our country.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional self-reported survey. Questionnaires were completed by 100 parents, who sought medical assistance for a child under the age of 14 years. Data included were: characteristics of responders (age, number of children, education, and economic level), assessing and managing fever, knowledge source (internet, pediatrician, family members).

Results: Most parents (81%) accurately described normal and febrile temperatures. The main source of their knowledge about fever and managing it, were pediatricians in 69% of cases, followed by family members consult. There were mixed feelings on using the internet for information. Twenty seven per cent of parents administer antipyretics when temperatures were below 380C or administer incorrect doses of antipyretics. The dose prescribed in 78% of case was defined by pediatricians. They alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen (49%) when fever was rebellious, not dominated by paracetamol. If all parents fear the secondary effects of fever, 47% of them didn’t know the possibility and the importance of overdosing with antipyretics. Characteristics of responders (previous experience, age, education and economic level) were a significant factor in their knowledge.

Conclusion: The data indicate that parents have a good level of knowledge regarding fever and managing it. Pediatricians were the most important source of their knowledge and consultation. This study confirms that a high temperature is a trigger for parents to alternate the use of antipyretics.