Paracetamol for feverish children: parental motives and experiences
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Paracetamol for feverish children: parental motives and experiences. / Jensen, J.F.; Tonnesen, L.L.; Söderström, Margareta; Thorsen, H.; Siersma, V.
In: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, Vol. 28, No. 2, 2010, p. 115-120.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Paracetamol for feverish children: parental motives and experiences
AU - Jensen, J.F.
AU - Tonnesen, L.L.
AU - Söderström, Margareta
AU - Thorsen, H.
AU - Siersma, V.
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - OBJECTIVE: The sale of paracetamol products for children is increasing, and more children are accidentally given overdoses, even though the use of paracetamol against fever is still under discussion. This study explores Danish parents' use of paracetamol for feverish children and their motives for this use. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey using structured interviews. Setting. Four general practices located in city, suburb, and rural area. SUBJECTS: A total of 100 Danish parents with at least one child under the age of 10 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of parents administering paracetamol to feverish children, situations triggering medication of a child, parental views regarding fever and effects of paracetamol, and sources of information on fever treatment. RESULTS: Three in four parents use paracetamol for feverish children, mainly to reduce temperature, to decrease pain, and to help the child fall asleep. Highly educated parents medicate more often than less educated. Parents often fear fever but this does not clearly affect their use of paracetamol. Many parents believe in perceived beneficial effects of paracetamol, such as increased appetite and well-being, better sleep, and prevention of fever seizures. These expectations of paracetamol influence parental use of the drug. Parents' main source of information on fever and paracetamol is their general practitioner (GP). CONCLUSIONS: Danish parents regularly treat feverish children with paracetamol. Although parents contact their GP for advice on fever treatment, paracetamol is sometimes given to children on vague indications. Clearer information for parents on when to give paracetamol as fever treatment may help regulate its use
AB - OBJECTIVE: The sale of paracetamol products for children is increasing, and more children are accidentally given overdoses, even though the use of paracetamol against fever is still under discussion. This study explores Danish parents' use of paracetamol for feverish children and their motives for this use. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey using structured interviews. Setting. Four general practices located in city, suburb, and rural area. SUBJECTS: A total of 100 Danish parents with at least one child under the age of 10 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of parents administering paracetamol to feverish children, situations triggering medication of a child, parental views regarding fever and effects of paracetamol, and sources of information on fever treatment. RESULTS: Three in four parents use paracetamol for feverish children, mainly to reduce temperature, to decrease pain, and to help the child fall asleep. Highly educated parents medicate more often than less educated. Parents often fear fever but this does not clearly affect their use of paracetamol. Many parents believe in perceived beneficial effects of paracetamol, such as increased appetite and well-being, better sleep, and prevention of fever seizures. These expectations of paracetamol influence parental use of the drug. Parents' main source of information on fever and paracetamol is their general practitioner (GP). CONCLUSIONS: Danish parents regularly treat feverish children with paracetamol. Although parents contact their GP for advice on fever treatment, paracetamol is sometimes given to children on vague indications. Clearer information for parents on when to give paracetamol as fever treatment may help regulate its use
KW - Acetaminophen
KW - administration & dosage
KW - adverse effects
KW - Adult
KW - Analgesics,Non-Narcotic
KW - Child
KW - Cross-Sectional Studies
KW - Drug Utilization
KW - Educational Status
KW - Family Practice
KW - Female
KW - Fever
KW - drug therapy
KW - Health Knowledge,Attitudes,Practice
KW - Humans
KW - Information Seeking Behavior
KW - Male
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Parents
KW - psychology
KW - Questionnaires
KW - Young Adult
M3 - Journal article
VL - 28
SP - 115
EP - 120
JO - Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
JF - Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
SN - 0281-3432
IS - 2
ER -
ID: 32344402