Knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions of primary care physicians regarding fever in children: a cross sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundFever is an extremely common sign in paediatric patients and the most common cause for a child to be taken to the doctor. The literature indicates that physicians and parents have too many misconceptions and conflicting results about fever management. In this study we aim to identify knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions of primary care physicians regarding fever in children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in April-May 2010 involving primary care physicians (n=80). The physicians were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used.ResultsIn our study only 10% of the physicians knew that a body temperature of above 37.2°C according to an auxiliary measurement is defined as fever. Only 26.2% of the physicians took into consideration signs and symptoms other than fever to prescribe antipyretics. 85% of the physicians prescribed antipyretics to control fever or prevent complications of fever especially febrile seizures. Most of the physicians (76.3%) in this study reported that the height of fever may be used as an indicator for severe bacterial infection. A great majority of physicians (91.3%) stated that they advised parents to alternate the use of ibuprofen and paracetamol.ConclusionsThere were misconceptions about the management and complications of fever. There is a perceived need to improve the recognition, assessment, and management of fever with regards to underlying illnesses in children.

Management of acute fever in children: Guideline for community healthcare providers and pharmacists

“…[1,2] Furthermore, there is confusion about how and whether to manage fever. Antipyretics are frequently prescribed or purchased over-the-counter (OTC), specifically to bring down body temperature in an ill child, [2][3][4][5] paracetamol and ibuprofen being the most frequently purchased OTC medicines for children. [3] Although fevers are often a presenting symptom of a self-limiting viral infection, they are also associated with serious bacterial infections, such as meningitis and pneumonia, and other non-infective illnesses.…”

Kuwaiti parent's knowledge of their childern's fever and their patterns of use of over the counter antipyretics

“…However, mothers should realise that sleeping children should not be awakened solely to administer antipyretics. 39 Parents should also know that tactile temperature taking practice has shown to be an inaccurate screening test for fever. Inadequate awareness about the potential harm of antipyretics is particularly alarming because, even if antipyretic drugs are demonstrated to a great extent to be safe and efficient, there are reports that their misuse may lead to possible toxic effects.…”

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

“…A cross sectional study carried out in 2010 by Demir and Sekreter among 80 primary care physicians in Turkey found that only 10% of physicians knew the definition of fever, only 26% considered signs and symptoms other than fever to prescribe antipyretics and that 85% prescribed antipyretics to control fever or prevent complications of fever, especially febrile seizures 10 . The present study found that 27.5% knew that the normal axillary temperature was 34.7°C to 37.3°C (94.5°F to 99.1°F).…”