Original Articles
Parental response during a febrile seizure in their child and their knowledge on preparedness for a similar recurrence in their child: A study from the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital
Authors:
Ashan Jayawickrama ,
University of Colombo, LK
About Ashan
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine
H. M. M. Udara,
University of Colombo, LK
About H. M. M.
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine
Withanage D. Duminda,
University of Colombo, LK
About Withanage
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine
Jayasanka Jayawardhana,
University of Colombo, LK
About Jayasanka
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine
Jithangi Wanigasinghe
University of Colombo, LK
About Jithangi
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine
Abstract
Introduction: Febrile seizures (FS) are the commonest convulsions in children in the 6-60 month age group. They are a cause of great concern and fear for the parents, often resulting in inappropriate management.
Objectives: To describe the parental responses during FS and to document the parental knowledge on how to manage a recurrence.
Method: A prospective study was performed on 160 randomly selected parents of children admitted to Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital with FS over a two year period. A pretested and validated interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess the parental immediate responses towards the seizure and knowledge on how to manage the next seizure.
Results:The mean age of the affected children was 2.2 years (SD 1.50). The male: female ratio was 1.53:1. The majority (58%) were admitted with a first FS. The type of FS was simple in 75.6% and complex in 24.4%. Only 28% had ongoing seizures during the admission. The negative parental responses towards the seizure were becoming frightened in 144 (90%), confused about what to do in 76 (47.5%), and attempting to open the mouth by force in 37 (23%). Positive responses included keeping the child in a safe posture in 76 (47.5%), shouting for help in 114 (71.3%) and feeling empowered to manage the seizure appropriately in 66 (41.3%). Only 35 (29%) had scored adequately on knowledge of how to act during a seizure based on advice given after admission. Inappropriate actions performed included vigorous wet sponging in 122 (76.3%), restraining the clonic movements in 102 (63.7%) and inserting an object to mouth in 131 (81.9%).
Conclusions: This study revealed both negative and positive parental responses when their child experienced a febrile seizure. These responses led them to perform inappropriate first aid measures.
Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2021; 50(2): 280-285
How to Cite:
Jayawickrama, A., Udara, H.M.M., Duminda, W.D., Jayawardhana, J. and Wanigasinghe, J., 2021. Parental response during a febrile seizure in their child and their knowledge on preparedness for a similar recurrence in their child: A study from the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 50(2), pp.280–285. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljch.v50i2.9572
Published on
05 Jun 2021.
Peer Reviewed
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