Parental Knowledge and Management Approaches Toward Pediatric Fever: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 7 Sayı: 3, 792 - 4, 09.09.2025

Serkan Atıcı , Ahmet Soysal

Öz

Aim: This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning fever management in children aged 6 months to 6 years.
Material and Method: A structured face-to-face survey was administered to 125 parents at the pediatric infectious diseases outpatient clinic of a tertiary university hospital in İstanbul, Türkiye.
Results: The results revealed that while the majority of parents identified ≥38°C as the threshold for fever, a notable proportion (27%) reported administering antipyretics below this level, primarily due to fear of febrile seizures (69%). Furthermore, 81% of parents gave antipyretics before consulting a physician, and more than half alternated medications without medical advice. Although modern thermometer use (e.g., non-contact infrared) was widespread, outdated practices such as tactile temperature assessment persisted among a minority. The data indicate a clear association between lower educational attainment and inappropriate fever management behaviors.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to address common misconceptions, reduce fever-related anxiety, and promote evidence-based home management strategies. Improving parental knowledge through accessible, culturally appropriate resources could ultimately enhance child health outcomes and alleviate unnecessary strain on pediatric healthcare services.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Fever in children , antipyretic use , parental knowledge

Etik Beyan

This study was approved by Ataşehir Memorial Hospital Ethics Committee (date: June 16, 2025 number: 06.2025).

Kaynakça

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