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Parental Perceptions of Pediatric Fever From Two Medical Centers in Lebanon
Reem Eid1, Ramy Touma Sawaya2, Andrew Farhat1
1Department of Pediatrics, Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, Beirut, Beirut Governate, Lebanon.
Insights
Parental knowledge of pediatric fever management in Lebanon varies, with a need for further education on fever causes, risks, and appropriate care to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Medical Education
Background:
- Pediatric fever is a frequent reason for emergency department (ED) visits.
- Limited data exists on parental knowledge and fever management practices in Lebanon.
- Understanding parental approaches is crucial for targeted educational interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental knowledge and attitudes towards pediatric fever in Lebanon.
- To identify gaps in fever management understanding.
- To inform the development of educational programs to optimize ED utilization.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study involving 191 parents in two Lebanese medical centers.
- Assessment of sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes regarding pediatric fever.
- Stratification and comparison of participants based on gender and knowledge level.
Main Results:
- 62.3% of participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding pediatric fever.
- A significant difference in ED presentation behavior was observed between high and low knowledge groups.
- Parents with higher knowledge levels were more likely to seek care for fevers of 39°C or higher.
Conclusions:
- While a substantial portion of parents possess good knowledge, approximately half require further education on pediatric fever.
- There is an ongoing need for parental awareness campaigns on fever etiology, its role in illness, and proper management strategies.
- Educational initiatives can potentially decrease unnecessary emergency department visits for pediatric fever.
Abstract:
Background: Pediatric fever is considered one of the most common reasons for parents presenting to the emergency department (ED). As there is little information involving parental knowledge, management techniques, and consultation of medical professionals regarding complaints of pediatric fever in Lebanon, it is important to investigate whether the parents know how to deal with a febrile fever in child before bringing them to the ED in order to determine the need for parental educational programs for fever management and to possibly limit unnecessary hospital visits. Study Design: This study recruited 191 participants to fill a questionnaire of 21 questions divided into three sections assessing parental sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes towards pediatric fever during presentation to the ED in two medical centers in Lebanon. The participant population was then stratified and compared on the basis of gender and knowledge level. Results: When assessing participants' knowledge, 119 (62.3%) of participants had a high level of knowledge, and 72 (37.7%) had a low level of knowledge on pediatric fever. The two groups showed different approaches towards low-grade fevers with the high knowledge group presenting to the ED mostly during high-grade fevers of 39°C or more. Conclusion: While the population of the current study showed similar levels of knowledge as those in studies from different parts of the world, around 50% of the participants showed higher levels of knowledge, thus proving that there is still a need for parental awareness and education regarding the causes of fever, its risks and benefits during disease progression, and appropriate ways of management.
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