The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Parents of Children Admitted to the Paediatric Emergency Department with Fever

Abstract

Introduction: Fever is one of the most common reasons for Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) visits, often driven by parental anxiety and misconceptions about fever management. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents regarding childhood fever to identify gaps and guide targeted educational interventions. Understanding parental behaviors is crucial for improving care outcomes and reducing unnecessary PED utilization. Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample of this study consists of a total of 440 parents of children admitted to the Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) with complaints of fever. Convenience sampling was used to select the participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire covering sociodemographics, a form surveying the parents' fever knowledge and attitude, and the validated parents' fever management scale (Turkish version). The data were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 statistical program. Results: Most parents (95.5%) reported prior experience with childhood fever, yet 54.1% lacked a regular physician. Common fever detection methods included tactile assessment (56.4%) and thermometers (27.3%). Parental concern arose at 39 degrees C (48.6%). Cold applications (41.6%) and antipyretics (21.1%) were frequent interventions. The mean PFMS-TR score was high (34.97 +/- 4.27), indicating elevated caregiver burden. Scores varied significantly by the child's age (higher for infants, p = 0.044) and maternal education (higher for educated mothers, p = 0.008). Satisfaction with healthcare staff correlated with higher scores (p = 0.024). Negative correlations emerged between parental age, number of children, and fever management scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Parents exhibited high interventionist behaviors and persistent knowledge gaps, underscoring the need for targeted education programs. Educational programs targeting fever management, tailored to parental demographics and misconceptions, are essential. Healthcare providers, particularly pediatric nurses, should prioritize clear communication and evidence-based guidance to empower parents and reduce unnecessary healthcare burdens. Future research should expand to diverse geographic and cultural settings to enhance generalizability.