Paracetamol for feverish children: parental motives and experiences

Abstract

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.

Key Words::

• Antipyretic
• children
• family practice
• fever
• gender
• paracetamol
• parents
• primary healthcare

Acknowledgements

The survey was funded by a grant from “Praktiserende Lægers Udviklingsfond” (PLU). Thanks are offered to the four GPs who provided the interview locations.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.