Knowledge, beliefs and management of fever among parents consulting at a Third Level Pediatric Hospital in Pasto, Colombia, 2017

Introduction: In Colombia there are many myths, and different approaches to fever are observed. However, there is no local data describing this situation. The objective of this study is to identify the knowledge, beliefs, and management of fever among parents requesting consultation. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was applied to a convenience sample of 200 parents who consulted at the emergency department of the hospital. Results: 200 surveys were carried out. 59% of parents were in high school. 84.5% of the population belonged to stratas 1 and 2 and lived in an urban area. 52% used thermometers or plastic strips to measure the temperature. 81.5% administered antibiotics only when the doctor prescribed it. The sociodemographic variables of the parents, which were significantly statistically e related to the knowledge, management and beliefs of the fever were: age of the parents, educational level, socioeconomic status and number of children. Conclusions: We found knowledge gaps in parents regarding fever and temperature measurement. Parents administer medications after consulting with a physician. In managing fever, most parents used physical means to reduce fever along with antipyretics. Regarding beliefs, in our region (Pasto - Naritio) traditional therapies for the management of fever are still used.