Parents' Perception, Knowledge and Self-Efficacy in Management of Childhood Fever

Abstract

PURPOSE: Fever is a common symptom of illness in children that is often misunderstood and inappropriately managed by parents. The purposes of this study were to investigate perception, knowledge of childhood fever and fever management and self-efficacy in fever management by parents and to identify the relationship between knowledge of childhood fever and fever management, and self-efficacy in management of fever. METHODS: A descriptive correlation study was used with 101 parents of children ages 3 months to 5 yr who were seen in a pediatric outpatient clinic. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t-test or ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Many parents reported a high level of fear about fever and its possible complications. Most parents used over-the-counter medications to reduce fever even when their children had mild to moderate fever. The mean correct percent on the knowledge scale was 51.0{%}. Most parents did not recognize the benefits of fever. There were statistically significant positive correlations between knowledge of fever and fever management and self-efficacy in management of fever. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a need to develop and evaluate educational programs that will provide parent education on fever and fever management.