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Knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions of primary care physicians regarding fever in children: a cross sectional
1Department of Public Health, Acıbadem University School of Medicine, Gülsuyu Mah, Fevzi Çakmak Cad, Divan Sok, No 1, Maltepe/İSTANBUL, Turkey. figen.demir@acibadem.edu.tr
Insights
Primary care physicians show significant misconceptions regarding pediatric fever management, including its definition and when to use antipyretics. Improving physician education on fever assessment and treatment is crucial for better child healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- General Practice
- Medical Education
Background:
- Fever is a common pediatric symptom leading to frequent doctor visits.
- Existing literature highlights numerous misconceptions among physicians and parents regarding fever management.
- Conflicting information complicates appropriate fever treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify knowledge gaps, attitudes, and misconceptions among primary care physicians concerning pediatric fever.
- To assess current understanding of fever definition, assessment, and management protocols.
- To pinpoint areas for educational improvement in pediatric fever care.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 80 primary care physicians.
- Data collection occurred in April-May 2010 using self-administered questionnaires.
- Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to interpret the findings.
Main Results:
- Only 10% of physicians correctly defined fever (temperature >37.2°C auxiliary).
- A low percentage (26.2%) considered non-fever symptoms when prescribing antipyretics.
- Most physicians (85%) prescribed antipyretics for fever control or to prevent complications like febrile seizures.
- A majority (76.3%) incorrectly believed fever height indicates severe bacterial infection.
- Most physicians (91.3%) advised alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Conclusions:
- Significant misconceptions exist regarding pediatric fever management and its complications.
- There is a clear need to enhance physician recognition, assessment, and management of fever.
- Improving understanding of underlying illnesses associated with fever is essential for pediatric care.
Background:
Fever 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.
Methods:
This 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.
Results:
In 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.
Conclusions:
There 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.
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01:26Patterns of Fever
01:25Increased Body Temperature
01:22Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
01:25Types of Fever
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01:28Factors Affecting Body Temperature
Factors may include:
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
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