Fever phobia in caregivers presenting to New Zealand emergency departments.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine the prevalence of fever phobia among caregivers of children presenting to New Zealand EDs.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered to caregivers of children <5 years of age presenting to three New Zealand EDs. We defined fever phobia as caregivers having a high level of concern regarding fever or having incorrect beliefs regarding the consequences of fever.

Results

A total of 502 caregivers completed the survey. Fever phobia was present in 365 (74.3% [95% confidence interval, CI 70.3-78.0%]) respondents, with 242 (49.3% [95% CI 44.9-53.7%]) caregivers reporting a high level of concern regarding fever, and 288 (61.8% [95% CI 57.3-66.1%]) caregivers reporting at least one incorrect belief regarding the consequences of fever. Majority of

SUBMITTER: MacMahon D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9291848 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature