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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Management of Childhood Fever Among Saudi Parents
Shalam Mohamed Hussain1, Osama Al-Wutayd2, Ahmed Hamad Aldosary2
1Former faculty, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Many Saudi parents hold misconceptions about childhood fever, including incorrect temperature definitions and unfounded fears of seizures or body damage. Over 90% fear fever complications, and many believe antibiotics can reduce temperature.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood fever is a common pediatric concern, accounting for a significant percentage of clinic visits.
- Saudi Arabia's young population (10% under 4 years) faces a high burden of febrile illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding childhood fever in Saudi Arabia.
- To identify prevalent misconceptions among parents concerning fever management and its consequences.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1700 parents of children attending pediatric clinics.
- Questionnaires were used to gather data on parental understanding of fever definitions, temperature thresholds, and perceived risks.
Main Results:
- Only 42% of parents correctly defined fever (≥38.0 °C).
- A majority (80%) incorrectly believed untreated high fever causes seizures.
- Over 90% of parents exhibited fear of fever-related body damage and believed antibiotics could lower temperature.
Conclusions:
- Significant misconceptions regarding childhood fever persist among Saudi parents.
- There is a critical need for improved health education to address parental fears and promote evidence-based fever management practices.
Abstract:
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.
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