Page 79 - Petelin Ana. Ur. 2022. Zdravje otrok in mladostnikov / Health of children and adolescents. Proceedings. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
P. 79
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-167-4.79-86
Parent awareness about the onset
of febrile seizures and fever
Rebeka Kuzelj1, Katarina Merše Lovrinčević2, Tjaša Hrovat Ferfolja3
1Health Clinic Koper, Outpatient Department for Children and Schoolchildren, Koper, Slovenia
2University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia
3School Centre Nova Gorica, Grammar and Secondary School of Health Sciences, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
rebeka.kuzelj@gmail.com; katarina.merse@fvz.upr.si; tjasa.hrovat@gmail.com
Abstract
Introduction: Many parents believe that a body temperature of 39.0°C
is harmful, puts their child at risk, and must be reduced immediately.
But fever is merely a symptom, not a disease. In fact, it is essential for a
child to successfully recover from their disease. Febrile seizures, which
are the most common type of convulsions among children, often raise
concern among parents since they resemble epileptic seizures. It is
important to raise awareness among parents about the different stages
of fever, the positive and negative effects of fever, and the methods used
to reduce fever. This knowledge is the key to the successful prevention
and treatment of febrile seizures. Aim of the research was to determine
the level of parents‘ awareness, knowledge, and reactions to febrile
seizures. Methods: We conducted a quantitative empirical study based
on data collection. The data was acquired by means of a questionnaire,
which was drawn up following a literature review. The research sample
included 50 randomly selected parents. Results: Upon analyzing the
results, we found that parents are relatively well acquainted with the
occurrence of fever. Most are familiar with the different methods of
reducing fever, but more than half of them start reducing it too early,
which ultimately prevents the body from fending off the disease on its
own. Our study focused on parents’ familiarity with febrile seizures.
The results indicate that only 10 % of parents participating in the study
would turn their child on the side during a febrile seizure, and that only
a small percentage would administer oral medications to their child
during a febrile seizure. Based on the data acquired, we conclude that
parents are well acquainted with the symptoms of febrile seizures and
that they would immediately recognize its onset. Raising concern is the
finding that 54 % of parents participating in the study claim that the
outpatient department for children and schoolchildren failed to provide
any information on febrile seizures. Discussion and conclusion: Fever and
Parent awareness about the onset
of febrile seizures and fever
Rebeka Kuzelj1, Katarina Merše Lovrinčević2, Tjaša Hrovat Ferfolja3
1Health Clinic Koper, Outpatient Department for Children and Schoolchildren, Koper, Slovenia
2University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia
3School Centre Nova Gorica, Grammar and Secondary School of Health Sciences, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
rebeka.kuzelj@gmail.com; katarina.merse@fvz.upr.si; tjasa.hrovat@gmail.com
Abstract
Introduction: Many parents believe that a body temperature of 39.0°C
is harmful, puts their child at risk, and must be reduced immediately.
But fever is merely a symptom, not a disease. In fact, it is essential for a
child to successfully recover from their disease. Febrile seizures, which
are the most common type of convulsions among children, often raise
concern among parents since they resemble epileptic seizures. It is
important to raise awareness among parents about the different stages
of fever, the positive and negative effects of fever, and the methods used
to reduce fever. This knowledge is the key to the successful prevention
and treatment of febrile seizures. Aim of the research was to determine
the level of parents‘ awareness, knowledge, and reactions to febrile
seizures. Methods: We conducted a quantitative empirical study based
on data collection. The data was acquired by means of a questionnaire,
which was drawn up following a literature review. The research sample
included 50 randomly selected parents. Results: Upon analyzing the
results, we found that parents are relatively well acquainted with the
occurrence of fever. Most are familiar with the different methods of
reducing fever, but more than half of them start reducing it too early,
which ultimately prevents the body from fending off the disease on its
own. Our study focused on parents’ familiarity with febrile seizures.
The results indicate that only 10 % of parents participating in the study
would turn their child on the side during a febrile seizure, and that only
a small percentage would administer oral medications to their child
during a febrile seizure. Based on the data acquired, we conclude that
parents are well acquainted with the symptoms of febrile seizures and
that they would immediately recognize its onset. Raising concern is the
finding that 54 % of parents participating in the study claim that the
outpatient department for children and schoolchildren failed to provide
any information on febrile seizures. Discussion and conclusion: Fever and
