Fever Management in Children 0 – 5 Years: a Survey of the Knowledge, Beliefs and Practices Among Nurses in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

Abstract

Fever remains the commonest problem presented to hospitals in Ghana, and nurses are at the fore front of the care of children. Despite this, very little empirical evidence exists on fever management by nurses in Ghana. This study therefore sought to assess the knowledge level on fever, beliefs about fever and childhood fever management practices among nurses in the Cape Coast metropolis Employing a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, data on knowledge level on fever, beliefs about fever, presence of fever phobia and fever management practices of respondents was collected from a sample of 173 nurses, using a questionnaire. SPSS version 24 was used for data analysis. Frequencies and summary statistics were used for descriptive data, while inferentially, Chi Square test, Fisher’s Exact test, Phi and Cramer’s V, as well as binary Logistics regression were used to test for significant associations. Most respondents (66.5%) had poor fever knowledge. Almost all respondents (96.5%) were of the erroneous belief that fever is non-beneficial. Majority of respondents did not have fever phobia. Most nurses (80.9%) combined sponging with the administration of antipyretics in managing fever in children. Health authorities must prioritize Paediatric nursing specialty training, CPD trainings on childhood fever management practices. MOH should update, unify and simplify the fever management protocols in the country for health facilities and professionals.