Assessment of Antipyretics Usage in Pediatric Inpatients

Abstract

ABSTRACT Parents often misinterpret fever as being harmful. Fear of fever results in excessive use of antipyretics, unnecessary emergency department visits and financial burden. The aims of the study were to determine the utilization pattern of antipyretics and assess the knowledge and practice (KP) of parents on antipyretics usage. One part of the study design was interventional and the other was cross-sectional, conducted for a period of 6 months. Study included inpatients from pediatric department who were receiving antipyretic medications to determine the utilization pattern of antipyretics. A validated questionnaire was administered to the enrolled subject’s parents to assess their KP on antipyretic usage. Among the 250 study population enrolled, paracetamol was found to be the most commonly used antipyretic. 90% of the enrolled study population were mothers. 95.20% of parents believed fever was harmful, 81.6% considered a temperature of 38°C as fever and would start antipyretics. Only 38.4% had a thermometer at home, 73.20% administered antipyretics without prescription. About 62% believed drowsiness was a complication of antipyretics. The level of education of parents showed a positive impact on the perception of fever. Knowledge score based on socioeconomic status was also found to be significant. The lack of digital thermometer and inaccurate measurement of temperature has led to fever phobia, and the correct management of febrile illness remains unclear among the parents. Educating parents may positively influence their approach to fever and antipyretic usage.