Table 3 Parents’ methods for managing childhood fever (N = 402)
Variable | Frequency (%) |
|---|---|
Fever recognition | |
Touching child | 263 (65.4) |
Measuring temperature | 127 (31.6) |
Touching and measuring | 12 (3.0) |
Site (method) used for measuring temperature | |
Mouth (oral) | 202 (50.2) |
Anus (rectal) | 104 (25.9) |
Armpit (axillary) | 85 (21.1) |
Other | 11 (2.7) |
Temperature at which to give antipyretics | |
Less than 38°C | 6 (1.5) |
38–38.5°C | 147 (36.6) |
38.5-39°C | 155 (38.6) |
38–39°C | 4 (1.0) |
More than 39°C | 90 (22.4) |
Fever management (if no co-morbid symptoms present) | |
Antipyretic use | 140 (34.8) |
Cold sponges | 200 (49.8) |
Homeopathic methods | 13 (3.2) |
Antipyretic + cold sponges | 37 (9.2) |
Other | 12 (3.0) |
Fever management (if there is a co-morbid symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea) | |
Antipyretic use and temperature monitoring | 34 (8.5) |
Antipyretic use and consult a physician | 146 (36.3) |
Seek physician assistance | 9 (2.2) |
Consult a pharmacist | 209 (52.0) |
Other | 4 (1.0) |
Source of antipyretics used | |
Prescribed medications | 188 (46.8) |
Previous prescriptions for the same ill child | 100 (24.9) |
Previous prescriptions for one of the ill child’s siblings | 18 (4.5) |
Over-the-counter | 48 (11.9) |
Other | 12 (3.0) |