Journal Article Epublish
PubMed: 40923010 DOI: 10.1177/30502225251364932
Fever in Children Under 5 years: Caregivers' Knowledge and Home Management Practices in the Northern Region of Ghana - A Multi-Facility Study.
Sage Open Pediatr 12:30502225251364932
Authors: Abubakari Wuni, Iddrisu Sisala Mohammed, Waliu Jawula Salisu, Brenda Abena Nyarko, Mudasir Mohammed Ibrahim, Abdul-Malik Seidu, Rahmatullah Abdul-Rahman, Abdul Latif Abdul Rahaman, Abdul-Fataw Abdulai, Yaskuru Zakaria, Hannah Buasilenu
Affiliations
- College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
- Department of Nursing, Nurses' and Midwives' Training College, Tamale, Ghana.
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
- Eliane Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine (M3), Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana.
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
- Department of Child Health, Hopexchange medical center, Kumasi, Ghana.
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Fever is a common condition in children under 5. Misconceptions surrounding its management can result in poor health outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
To assess caregivers' knowledge and home management practices regarding fever in children under 5 in the Northern Region of Ghana.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study design was employed in this study. Data was collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed with JMP Pro 17.1.
RESULTS
Among 384 caregivers, 57% had good fever knowledge, and 57.3% practiced proper home management. While 66.7% correctly defined fever (>38°C), 76.8% mistakenly believed teething could cause fever. Most caregivers reported that they would visit a hospital if the child exhibited additional symptoms (93.0%), or if the fever had no apparent cause (78.9%). Predictors of knowledge included occupation, education, income, and health insurance. Fever management practices were influenced by maternal age, religion, health insurance, and child's age.
CONCLUSION
Most caregivers demonstrated good fever knowledge and management, but misconceptions persist, particularly on teething and medication use. Targeted education is needed to correct these gaps and improve first-aid practices.
MeSH
Caregivers, Multiple Chronic Conditions, Insurance, Insurance, Health, Education, Child