Perception, knowledge and attitude towards childhood fever: A survey among final‐year medical students
Additional information
Authors
Milani G. P.,
Corsello A.,
Fadda M.,
Falvo I.,
Giannì M. L.,
Marseglia G. L.,
Cuppari C.,
Bruzzese E.,
Bianchetti M. G.,
Schulz P. J.,
Peroni D.,
Marchisio P.,
Chiappini E.
Type
Journal Article
Year
2022
Language
English
Abstract
AimsUndue concerns about the consequences of fever and its inappropriate management have been documented worldwide among physicians. However, no data exist on medical students. We investigated the perception, knowledge and attitude towards childhood fever among final‐year medical students.MethodsBetween June and September 2021, final‐year medical students of six Italian universities were invited to complete an online survey on their conceptions and attitude towards pharmacological and non‐pharmacological management of childhood fever. History of relevant personal or second‐hand experience with childhood fever was also addressed. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used.ResultsOf 1095 (69%) final‐year medical students, 756 completed the survey. Many students believe that high fever might cause brain damage, would recommend physical methods and alternate two drugs for fever. Most students do not think that fever has mainly beneficial effects. In Northern Italy, students are less likely to believe that fever might lead to brain damage (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.94), and in Southern Italy students are more likely to advise physical methods (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.22–2.57) and less likely to believe that fever has mainly beneficial effects (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39–0.77). History of a relevant personal episode of fever during childhood was not associated with these outcomes.ConclusionsMisconceptions about fever are common among final‐year medical students in Italy. Cultural factors rather than individually learned traits might underlie these beliefs. Medical students are a promising target for educational interventions to improve childhood fever management.
Journal
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Volume
89
Number ( Month )
1
Pages (or article number)
261-267
ISSN
0306-5251, 1365-2125
Diffusion
License
License undefined
Visibility
Private
