Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Parents Regarding Febrile Seizures and Fever Management: A Cross-sectional Survey Study

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents of children with febrile seizures regarding fever and seizure management, and to compare the findings with data from the literature. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital. Parents of children aged 9–66 months who experienced febrile seizures were included. A total of 89 families completed a structured 26-item questionnaire covering the definition and management of fever, parental behaviors before-during-after febrile seizures, and experiences with healthcare services. Results Of the respondents, 62.9% were mothers, and 61.8% were parents of male children. Overall, 74.2% reported prior knowledge of febrile seizures, most frequently obtained from healthcare professionals (61.8%). The most common fever threshold reported was 37.5°C (49.5%). While 94.4% always kept a thermometer at home, electronic thermometers were the most commonly used (62.4%). Acetaminophen was the most frequently preferred antipyretic (56.1%), and lukewarm sponging was the most common non-pharmacological method (21.6%). Incorrect practices included encouraging excessive fluid intake (87.5%). During seizures, parents most frequently reported fear (39.1%) and panic (36.5%) as immediate reactions. The majority (91%) stated that their child had experienced a simple febrile seizure. Among those presenting to healthcare facilities, 60.7% received counseling, and 86.5% were informed about the risk of recurrence. Conclusion The findings indicate that “fever phobia” persists among parents, with persistent gaps in knowledge regarding the definition of fever, the role of antipyretics, and appropriate management during seizures. Incorrect practices not only threaten child safety but also impose additional burdens on the healthcare system. Therefore, structured, repeated, and multidimensional educational programs are essential to ensure accurate parental knowledge, clarify the limited role of antipyretics, and emphasize safe first-aid interventions.