Knowledge, Concerns and Beliefs of Mothers Towards Febrile Convulsions and its Management at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Western Region, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Background: Febrile convulsions can be managed at home and usually has a good prognosis. The lack of knowledge about management and prevention can cause parental discomfort and increase rates of unnecessary health care services utilization. Objectives: To identify the level of knowledge, concerns and beliefs regarding febrile convulsion and its management among mothers of children aged between six months to five years attending pediatric clinics and primary health care centers at King Abdulaziz Medical City-Western Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study. It included a sample of 400 mothers during the period (May-July, 2018). Data were collected using a valid questionnaire filled manually by the participants. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS, version 21.0). Results: The mean age of mothers was 31.7±5.8 years. Only 13.3% reported previous history of child febrile convulsion. The main source of information was internet 51.6%. The majority (82%) reported having medical thermometer at home. Overall, the knowledge score ranged between 0 and 14, out of a possible maximum of 17. The median (IQR) was 6 (4-8). Higher maternal educational level was significantly associated with higher knowledge regarding febrile convulsions (P-value=0.008). Almost all the participants (99%) agreed that parents should know how to manage children with febrile convulsions. Conclusion: Knowledge of mothers was insufficient in the aspects of febrile convulsion. The concerns and believes were generally encouraging. Therefore, health education campaigns are needed to raise awareness regarding febrile convulsions and first-aid management among parents.
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References
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