Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access

Kuwaiti parents knowledge of their children’s fever and their patterns of use of over the counter antipyretics

10^th Annual World Congress on Pediatrics,Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition

March 23-25, 2017 Orlando, USA

Nabil A Badawy

Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Kuwait

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Pediat Therapeut

Abstract :

Background: Many parents consider fever a disease with the continuation of fever phobia and overuse of antipyretics to reduce it. Objectives: Identifying Kuwaiti parentsâ�?�? knowledge, beliefs, practices about fever management. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, in which 614 Kuwaiti mothers of well children aged between 6 months and five years were recruited. Data was collected over six monthâ�?�?s period from 1/9/2015 to 1/3/2016, using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Over the study period, a total of 614 mothers participated in the study, with a response rate of 94.5%. Mild fever was reported to be â�?¤37.5�?°C by 33.2% (196) of mothers, and 27.1% (166) considered a temperature â�?¤38.5�?°C to be a high fever. Educational attainment significantly influenced parentsâ�?�? reports for high fever (F=4.68, df=4, P=0.001, n=207). Almost all the mothers believed that fever could cause harm, and 48% (294) of them stated that fever is very harmful. Fifty-three percent of mothers (n=309) would give antipyretic medication when body temperature is â�?¤38�?°C. The most commonly administered antipyretic was paracetamol. Sixtyone percent (375) of the mothers had alternated antipyretic paracetamol and ibuprofen. Forty-five percent (274) of mothers think that antipyretics are without potential harm. Level of education had a positive impact on the perception of fever [Ï�?2 (df = 8) = 70.68, p < .001]. Usual practices targeted temperature reduction, antipyretic administration (53.7%), temperature monitoring (49.7%), offering more fluids (43.6%) and light clothing (38.3%). Forty-nine and 45% of the mothers practiced alcoholic and cold compresses respectively. Conclusion: The knowledge of the parents about fever is poor. Fever phobiaâ�? remains extremely widespread, with an overuse of antipyretics. Healthcare professionals have a duty of care to provide parents with accurate and consistent information about childhood fever based on the latest scientific evidence.

Biography :

Nabil A Badawy MD, had his Doctor degree from Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University in Egypt. His current position is Acting Dean of the College of Nursing, which is one of 5 colleges belonging to the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training in Kuwait. He is interested in researches about the knowledge and attitude of the public in Kuwait regarding OTC drugs as a step for establishing educational programs.

Email: nabilbadawy45@hotmail.com