Assessment of the changing trends in maternal knowledge about management of fever and antibiotic use in the last decade in Türkiye

Abstract

Background. The wrong attitudes of parents on fever create a basis for unnecessary drug use and increased workload. The study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes concerning fever and antibiotic use and demonstrate the changes in the last decade. Methods. This cross-sectional study was composed of two parts, and a total of 500 participants were included. Group 1 (the new group, 50.0%) consisted of 250 participants who participated in the study between February 2020 and March 2020 and Group 2 (the old group, 50.0%) consisted of 250 participants who participated in the study between February 2010 and March 2010. All participants share the same ethnic properties and had been visiting the same center for similar reasons. A validated, structured questionnaire assessing the management of fever and antibiotic use was administered to all mothers. Results. According to the fever assessment scoring, maternal knowledge of fever and its management in children significantly increased (p < 0.001). The antibiotic assessment score also increased in 2020 (p = 0.002). Conclusions. The public spotlight on the erroneous use of antibiotics and the management of febrile illnesses seems to be promising. Improving maternal/parental educational status and informational advertisements can enhance parental knowledge concerning fever and antibiotic use.