Knowledge of using acetaminophen syrup and comprehension of written medication instruction among caregivers with febrile children

Abstract

Aim. This article aims to explore caregivers’ knowledge of acetaminophen and comprehension of written medication instructions about acetaminophen syrup when administered to febrile children.

Background. Fever is one of the most common problems about which primary caregivers seek medical advice for their children. Administration of acetaminophen is the most common form of treatment for febrile children. Medication safety is of the upmost importance for medication administration in this patient group.

Design. A cross-sectional study design was used.

Methods. The study included 102 caregivers with febrile children under six years old. A self-designed questionnaire was used to solicit participants’ responses concerning: (1) approaches to fever management prior to hospital admission; and (2) knowledge and comprehension of antipyretic medication administration. Caregivers were asked to answer specific questions about the instructions provided with the medication.

Results. Antipyretic by oral (66%) and antipyretic suppository (60%) were the most commonly used forms of fever management in febrile children. After reading the written medication instructions, one-third of the participants had more than one misunderstanding of the instructions for medication with timing, time interval of administration and/or medication dosage. Almost two-thirds of the participants misunderstood the side effects of acetaminophen. Participants with a poorer academic background were associated with poorer comprehension of the provided instructions.

Conclusion. Administration of antipyretic medication is the most common approach taken to reduce children’s temperature. A significant percentage of primary caregivers appear to lack a thorough understanding of the instructions provided with antipyrexial medication.

Relevance to clinical practice. Written medication instruction is a major source of information for primary caregivers. Clinical nurses have a potentially important role to play to provide caregivers with legible and understandable medication instructions and to ensure that caregivers fully comprehend this information.