Journal Article

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Management of Childhood Fever Among Saudi Parents

AlE’ed Ashwaq, Alyahya, Modhi Saleh, Alghasham, Ghaida Abdulrahman, Al-Wutayd, Osama, Aloyaidi, Ghadah Abdulaziz, AlKadi, Sirin Ahmed, Aldosary Ahmed Hamad, Alfeneekh Anfal Saleh, Al-Nafeesah, Abdullah, Hussain Shalam Mohamed

2020

Overview

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.

• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd
• Subject: Antibiotics / High temperature / Pediatrics