LAUSR

Introduction The objective was to assess the knowledge on childhood fever and knowledge and practices on home management of a febrile child among the primary caregivers; the socio-demographic predictors and the source of information associated with the knowledge and practices. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in four randomly selected wards at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital Sri Lanka among 400 primary caregivers of children less than 12 years of age admitted with fever. A pre-tested, pre-coded, interviewer administered questionnaire was used. Results Normal body temperature and temperature during fever were correctly mentioned by 46.2% and 35.8% of the study population respectively. Although 52.8% knew about a diurnal variation of normal body temperature, only 3.5% described it correctly. Fits were thought to be an effect of fever by 73.8%. However, only 33.5% mentioned dehydration as an effect. Touching the skin is not different from using the thermometer for identification and monitoring of fever was a belief among 21.9% of the respondents. Mercury thermometer was identified as the best thermometer by 45.8%, while it was 34% for digital. Paracetamol was not identified as the best antipyretic by 2.3%. The helpfulness of blood tests before visiting a medical practitioner was mentioned by 48% of the respondents. In practice, 60% of the study population used a thermometer for detection and/or monitoring of fever. The thermometer was used by 54.0% for identification of fever while 45.8% used the touch method. In monitoring of fever 59.5% used the thermometer while 40.5% used only the touch method. Paracetamol was used by 99% of the study population to treat the febrile child at home. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs were also used by 1.5%. The dose of paracetamol given to the child was too low for 6.5% while it was too high for 24.5%. Awakening the sleeping child to administer antipyretics was practiced by 91.8%. Dengue NS1 antigen test was done by 10.5% and a full blood count by 31.3% before seeking medical assistance. Statistically significant associations (p<0.05) were seen for knowledge and practice scores on home management of fever mainly with educational level. Multiple sources were used by the respondents for obtaining information. Conclusions and Recommendations Gaps in the knowledge and practices of primary caregivers on childhood fever and home management of a febrile child were identified together with their socio-economic predictors.