Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Management of Childhood Fever Among Saudi Parents

Abstract

<jats:p> Fever is considered as a frequent symptom in childhood and is the cause of almost 65% to 70% of pediatric visits. Saudi Arabia has about 10% of child population (under 4 years of age), imposing a high burden of childhood illnesses including fever. A total of 1700 questionnaires were distributed to Saudi parents with children visiting pediatric clinic. Most of the participants were mothers (77.4%). A temperature of 38.0 °C was defined fever by 42% of participants. The majority of parents (80%) believed seizure is the consequence of untreated high fever. A total of 72.5% indicated that 40.7 to 43.20°C is the highest temperature that can be reached if untreated. There was a statistically significant relationship between mothers and fathers for overall knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. This study indicates that numerous misconceptions still persist regarding fever as more than 90% of parents demonstrated undue fear of consequent body damage from fever and also believed antibiotics can reduce high temperature. </jats:p>

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Mothers towards Fever and Its Home Management among Under Five Children in Kom Hamada City, Behira Governorate, Egypt

“…There was a highly significant relationship between the correct body temperature considered as fever and mothers' level of education (p<0.01) [27]. Furthermore, Hussain et al [28], revealed that relationship and employment status of parents were found to be significantly associated with knowledge scores of parents for childhood fever. However, for attitude score, only age and number of children in the family found significant association, whereas for practice score, relationship, age, education level, and number of children in the family had significant association [28].…”

“…Furthermore, Hussain et al [28], revealed that relationship and employment status of parents were found to be significantly associated with knowledge scores of parents for childhood fever. However, for attitude score, only age and number of children in the family found significant association, whereas for practice score, relationship, age, education level, and number of children in the family had significant association [28]. These variables were further entered into the multivariate analysis to find the independent correlates of knowledge, behavior, and management practices for fever.…”

“…When mothers were asked if they would prefer to use the new nasal Midazolam or the rectal diazepam at home; 69% preferred to use the rectal diazepam and the remaining 31% didn't mind to give midazolam a trial [35]. Furthermore, Hussain et al [28], revealed that the majority of parents (80%) believed that seizure as the consequence of untreated high fever and 10% believed that it can cause delirium. Nearly about three fourth of them (72.5%) indicated that 40.7 to 43.2 °C as the highest temperature that can be reached if untreated.…”

Assessment of Saudi Parents’ Beliefs and Behaviors towards Management of Child Fever in Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…A survey questionnaire was developed based on previous studies to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of parents towards fever in children and its management (KAP) [ 17 , 18 , 20 ]. The KAP survey contained questions about the methods utilized for measuring body temperature, frequency of checking the temperature, attitude towards the complications of fever, methods to select the appropriate drug or doses administered, attitude towards alternating drugs, and practices in obtaining and using antibiotic drugs.…”

“…Similarly, another study by Hussain et al indicated many misconceptions regarding fever among the majority of parents. In addition to this, Saudi parents have demonstrated undue fear of consequent body damage from fever and also believe that antibiotics can reduce high temperature [ 18 ]. One of the ultimate goals of any local healthcare system is to provide appropriate care for children and enough educational knowledge for their parents, in the same manner as international and other healthcare systems, about the most common illnesses, such as fever.…”