[2026-10-22] Fever Management and Practices Regarding Acetaminophen Use Among Caregivers of Preschool Children in Home Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Evidence regarding correlations among caregivers’ knowledge, attitude, fever management practices and acetaminophen use is limited. This may increase the risk of preventable adverse outcomes. Therefore, understanding these factors and their relationships is essential for developing targeted interventions aimed at improving caregivers’ fever management competence and medication safety.

Objectives: To examine caregivers’ knowledge, attitude, and acetaminophen use, including fever management behaviors, and explore associations among these variables.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 113 caregivers of children aged 3-5 years enrolled in child development centers in Pathum Thani, Thailand. The sample was recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected from November 2024 to December 2024 using structured questionnaires. Continuous variables were reported using medians (IQRs). Correlations were assessed using Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

Results: Scores for fever management practices, knowledge, and acetaminophen use were moderate (median [IQR], 54.0 [49.5-57.0], 10.0 [9.0-11.0], and 66.0 [63.0-70.0], respectively), while scores for attitude were appropriate (median [IQR], 24 [22.0-25.0]). Knowledge and attitude were positively correlated with acetaminophen use (ρ = 0.223, P < .05; and ρ = 0.411, P < .01, respectively), whereas knowledge was not significantly correlated with attitude (ρ = 0.160, P = .091). In addition, fever management practices were not significantly associated with knowledge, attitude, and acetaminophen use (ρ = 0.172, P = .069; ρ = 0.124, P = .192; and ρ = 0.114, P = .229, respectively).

Conclusions: Caregivers’ knowledge and attitude contribute to safer acetaminophen use. However, knowledge alone did not ensure correct and comprehensive fever management. The findings suggest that nursing interventions focusing on medication safety and fever assessment skills may be beneficial and warrant further evaluation.