Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitudinal Perspectives, and Emergency First-Aid Practices for Childhood Febrile Seizures: A Pilot Study at Tabarak Pediatric Hospital, 2026

Abstract

Background: Febrile convulsions are a common cause of seizures in young children and can cause considerable anxiety for caregivers. Mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices may influence how they respond during and after a seizure.

Objective: To assess mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding febrile convulsions among children in the pediatric ward at Tabarak Pediatric Hospital.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 30 mothers. Data were collected using a questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to febrile convulsions. Results were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and KAP scores were also reported.

Results: Most mothers were older than 35 years (56.6%), had a diploma (80%), and had more than three children (80%). Overall, 90% were classified as having good knowledge, 96.7% as having a good attitude, and 90% as having good practice. However, item-level responses showed important misconceptions. Most mothers believed that febrile convulsions are usually life-threatening (90%) and that every child with a convulsion requires hospitalization (76.6%). All mothers believed early fever management could prevent convulsions. Although most reported appropriate actions such as not restraining the child (100%) and placing the child on their side (90%), 80% reported always putting something in the child’s mouth during a convulsion. Nearly all mothers expressed a need for more information (96.7%). The table reported significant associations between age and knowledge, attitude, and practice; however, the available results do not provide sufficient detail to interpret these associations.

Conclusion: Although overall KAP classifications appeared favorable, responses revealed critical misconceptions and potentially unsafe practices, particularly regarding seizure prevention and placing objects in the child’s mouth. Immediate, structured bedside education and practical first-aid discharge guidance for mothers are strongly recommended.