ASSESSMENT OF MOTHERS KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF MILITARY FAMILIES TOWARD MANAGEMENT OF FEVER IN THEIR CHILD

Introduction. It is estimated that fever is the primary complaint for 30% of patients seen by paediatricians. Fever is on of the most common reasons that parents seek medical attention for their children, for most parents fever is a disease rather a symptom or sign of an illness. The parent’s anxious response to the fever named “fever phobia“..The aim of study was to assessment of mother’s knowledge and attitude toward management of fever in their child.Materials and Methods. A cross sectional study was done between Jan to Apr 2004 in baqyiatallah hospital paediatric clinic with 15 item questionnaire to determine maternal attitude of military families about their children fever. The questionnaire was administered before either health maintenance or acute care visits.Results. A total number of 180 mothers were interviewed. Of those who were interviewed 83.9% considered 38oc and less as a high fever. Nine percent of mothers believed that temperature could rise to>/=41°c if left untreated and 87.8% of mothers be lived that temperature could cause harmful effects such as convulsion (72.2%), dehydration (3.9%), delirium (2.8%), brain damage (2.8%). Fifty two percent believed that complications occur in temperature 40°c.Forty one percent gave Acetaminophen (98.3%) and Ibuprofen (1.7%). Fifty percent gave drugs with correct dosage. Most of the parents (89.4%) were very worried about their children fever and 88.3% awaken their children to give antipyretics. Of theses 84.4% used wet sponge and 56.2% used sponge in temperature less than 38.5 oc. Fifty three percent used alcohol and salt for sponge. Sixty four of mothers listed doctors and nurses as their primary resource of their fever information, and 75% of children were visited by paediatricians.Conclusion. Fear of fever and about the definition is a major problem. It seems that mothers still need education about the definition and significances of fever, the correct way to use thermometer and antipyretics for fever home management.