Assessment of the knowledge of medical officers in the management of children presenting with febrile illnesses

Kannangara, K.A.N.S.; Liyanage, Nilani; Silva, N.S.N. de; Silva, W.S.D. de; Kumbalatara, K.A.T.G.

doi:10.4038/sljch.v44i2.7145

Cited by 1 publication

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References 8 publications

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“…The outcome of childhood fever is dependent on the primary caregivers (PCGs) knowledge, practices on management of a febrile child at home, and seeking appropriate medical advice at the correct time from a quali ed medical practitioner. Studies that have assessed the knowledge of Medical O cers in the management of children with febrile illnesses both globally and locally have identi ed gaps (4,5). It was seen from the study conducted in Sri Lanka that some of the practitioners prescribe Non-Steroidal Anti-In ammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (18) in the management of fever, which in the context of dengue endemicity can be harmful leading to complications such as bleeding in dengue syndrome (6,7).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge and Practices on Fever and Home Management of a Febrile Child and Antipyretic Use: A Sri Lankan Experience

silva¹,

Weliange²,

Weerasekera³

2020

Preprint

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Background: Fever, a common childhood experience requires correct home management and seeking medical advice at the correct time. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of fever home management of a febrile child among the primary caregivers.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in four randomly selected wards at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, in Sri Lanka. among 400 primary caregivers of children less than 12 years of age admitted with fever. A pre-tested, pre-coded, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Measurement of temperature by the participants were also observed. Results: Normal body temperature was correctly mentioned by 46.2% and mercury thermometer was identified as the best thermometer by 45.8%. Nearly 3/4th stated that the dose of antipyretics should be calculated according to age and or body weight and their knowledge on dose calculations showed that in 70.9% the calculated dose was considered safe and effective. In practice, 54% of the study population had used a thermometer for detection and/or monitoring of fever. Paracetamol was used by 99% of the study population alone or in combination by to treat the febrile child at home before the hospital admission. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs were also used by 1.5%. The dose of paracetamol given to the child was too low for 6.5% while it was too high for 24.5%. Statistically significant associations (p<0.05) were seen for correct technique of temperature measurement with higher education, higher family income and having a single child. Conclusions: This study adds to the contemporary fever management literature, by assessing problem from another dimension, which was the knowledge and practices of the primary caregivers in providing home management to a febrile child. Several knowledge and practice gaps were identified, which could be corrected through the clinical and public healthcare system.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge and Practices on Fever and Home Management of a Febrile Child and Antipyretic Use: A Sri Lankan Experience

silva¹,

Weliange²,

Weerasekera³

2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Assessment of the knowledge of medical officers in the management of children presenting with febrile illnesses

Abstract: Introduction: Childhood fever is a common reason to seek medical advice for a child globally. Correct decision making and appropriate interventions, which depend on relevant knowledge, are critical in the management of these children.

Cited by 1 publication

References 8 publications

Knowledge and Practices on Fever and Home Management of a Febrile Child and Antipyretic Use: A Sri Lankan Experience

Knowledge and Practices on Fever and Home Management of a Febrile Child and Antipyretic Use: A Sri Lankan Experience

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