Mothers' knowledge, perception and management of fever in children

Abstract

Objective – Fever is a common medical problem in children which often prompts mothers to seek immediate medical care. The aim of this study was to survey mothers about their knowledge, perception and management of fever in their children.

Patients and methods – The study involved 240 mothers who brought febrile children to Afshar Hospital in Yazd, Iran. An assessment of the mothers’ knowledge, perception and management of fever in their children through answers to a structured questionnaire were the focus of this study.

Results – In this study, twenty-one percent of the mothers used a liquid crystal forehead thermometer. Forty-six percent treated febrile children with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Fifty-eight percent of mothers perceived a risk of convulsions in children with fever if it is untreated. Fifty-five percent of mothers think that teething causes fever.

Conclusion – Most mothers perceive that fever is harmful and dangerous for children. Also, their knowledge is poor and the temperature is not measured accurately. Mothers’ misconceptions about fever reflect the lack of health education in our city