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A Survey About Fever Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Parents
Matthew G Hiller1,2, Michael S Caffery1,3, Rodolfo E Bégué1
11 Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Insights
Parents show significant confusion and negative perceptions regarding childhood fever, often treating all fevers and using alternating antipyretics. Parental education level impacts fever perception, but pediatrician communication appears minimal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Parental Education
Background:
- Fever is a common concern for parents seeking pediatric care.
- Understanding parental knowledge and perceptions is crucial for effective health communication.
- Misconceptions about fever can lead to inappropriate management and parental anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards fever in children.
- To identify factors influencing parental understanding and management of fever.
- To evaluate the role of pediatrician communication in shaping parental views on fever.
Main Methods:
- A 21-question survey was administered to 197 parents at four pediatric outpatient practices.
- Data collected included demographics, fever definition, temperature measurement methods, treatment practices, and perceptions of fever.
- Statistical associations were explored between parental characteristics and fever perception.
Main Results:
- Most parents defined fever using integer temperatures (e.g., 100°F) and primarily used axillary thermometers.
- A majority of parents would treat all fevers and employ alternating antipyretics.
- A negative perception of fever was prevalent; only one-third recognized potential benefits, while over half perceived risks.
- Higher parental educational levels correlated with more positive fever perceptions, independent of pediatrician information.
Conclusions:
- Significant confusion and negative perceptions regarding childhood fever exist among parents.
- Parental education plays a role in shaping fever attitudes, highlighting a need for targeted educational interventions.
- There is a perceived lack of information or recall from pediatricians regarding fever management and its implications.
Abstract:
A 21-question survey was conducted among parents attending 4 pediatric outpatient practices to assess their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes about fever. One hundred and ninety-seven surveys were included. Most commonly the participating parent was the mother. Parents used mainly axillary thermometers to measure child's temperature and mentioned integers for their definition of fever, 100°F being the most frequent answer. Most parents would treat all fevers and would use alternating antipyretics. Parents had a generally negative perception of fever: only one third thought fever may have some benefit, and more than half thought there must be some risk. A positive perception of fever was associated with parental educational level but not with information by the pediatrician. There is much confusion about fever among our parents, a negative perception is prevalent, and parents seem to receive-or recall-little information from the pediatrician.
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