Parental Perceptions of Pediatric Fever From Two Medical Centers in Lebanon

Background: Pediatric fever is considered one of the most common reasons for parents presenting to the emergency department (ED). As there is little information involving parental knowledge, management techniques, and consultation of medical professionals regarding complaints of pediatric fever in Lebanon, it is important to investigate whether the parents know how to deal with a febrile fever in child before bringing them to the ED in order to determine the need for parental educational programs for fever management and to possibly limit unnecessary hospital visits. Study Design: This study recruited 191 participants to fill a questionnaire of 21 questions divided into three sections assessing parental sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes towards pediatric fever during presentation to the ED in two medical centers in Lebanon. The participant population was then stratified and compared on the basis of gender and knowledge level. Results: When assessing participants’ knowledge, 119 (62.3%) of participants had a high level of knowledge, and 72 (37.7%) had a low level of knowledge on pediatric fever. The two groups showed different approaches towards low-grade fevers with the high knowledge group presenting to the ED mostly during high-grade fevers of 39°C or more. Conclusion: While the population of the current study showed similar levels of knowledge as those in studies from different parts of the world, around 50% of the participants showed higher levels of knowledge, thus proving that there is still a need for parental awareness and education regarding the causes of fever, its risks and benefits during disease progression, and appropriate ways of management.