The relationship between fathers' e-health literacy levels and pediatric fever management: A cross sectional study

Pediatric nurses play a crucial role in promoting fathers' active involvement in managing pediatric fever by enhancing their health literacy behaviors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between fathers' e-health literacy levels and pediatric fever management.

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 155 fathers between February and April 2025. Data were collected using the Demographic Information Form, Parent Fever Management Scale, and E-Health Literacy Scale. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation), independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, multivariate regression analysis, and correlation analysis were used for data collection. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Fathers' mean scores were 30.32 ± 8.19 on the E-Health Literacy Scale and 33.78 ± 5.42 on the Parent Fever Management Scale. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between fathers' e-health literacy and fever management (p < 0.05). The variables related to fathers explained 25 % of the variance in e-health literacy and 42 % of the variance in fever management.

The study identified a significant relationship between e-health literacy and fever management. Raising fathers' awareness of accessing reliable health information sources and providing educational support can enhance both e-health literacy and fever management practices.

Considering the positive relationship between fathers' e-health literacy and fever management, pediatric nurses have a key responsibility to support fathers through training programs that enable them to obtain accurate and adequate information regarding fever management.