Childhood Fever and its Management by Parents: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To verify the knowledge, beliefs, sources of information, practices and attitudes of the parents/caregivers in the management of childhood fever. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach. The sample was composed of 286 parents/caregivers who sought the emergency service of a Children's Hospital in Minas Gerais with complaints of fever in their children. Results: 45.6% of parents had high school education level; 54% earned up to one minimum wage; and 42% had one child. A total of 70% of respondents had a thermometer, 48.4% did not observe the adequate time to remove the mercury thermometer; and 29.4% of them verified fever by palpation. 34.3% reported fever at 37.5 °C; 96.3% administered antipyretics; 50.5% administered dipyrone and 39.3% paracetamol; 83.3% were unaware of the adverse effects; 14% administered antibiotics; 70% considered that the fever was harmful and that the worst damage is the seizure. To detect fever, the interviewees used the thermometer and palpation. They consider the fever dangerous because they believe it may cause convulsion, drowsiness, prostration, dehydration and brain damage. For fever control, they used pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. As sources of information, they access the internet, books, television, newspapers, health professionals, friends and relatives. Conclusion: The participants had similar socioeconomic profiles, fears, beliefs and practices of fever management. They showed limited knowledge and perceptions leading to erroneous attitudes towards fever management. Conceptions guide conduct and practices in the management of fever. The phobia of fever persists, and parents/caregivers show insecurity to care for the febrile child. DESCRIPTORS Fever.Knowledge.Child.Perception.Attitude.