An evaluation of parents' and caregivers' preferences managing fever in children based on experiences in using ibuprofen and paracetamol: A systematic review

Objective: This review aims to investigate parents' preference for and use of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol in managing and treating children's fevers as well as the factors influencing their decision-making and practices.

Introduction: Parents globally face concern over managing children's fever, seeking relief while ensuring safety, often relying on accessible medications like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

Inclusion criteria: The review included quantitative studies involving parents and caregivers managing fever in children aged 0-17 years. Studies published in English or in other languages with an English language version from January 2000 to March 2024 were included, excluding hospital-based or healthcare professional-managed studies.

Methods: Searches were conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL databases using specific search strategies. Titles and abstracts were screened online, and full reports were obtained for any publication considered useful for this overview. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers using the JBI critical appraisal instrument. Data extraction was performed in Excel, and statistical meta-analysis was undertaken using JBI SUMARI software.

Results: Approximately 27.4 % of participants utilized Ibuprofen, while 64.3 % opted for Paracetamol. Subgroup analyses revealed that 29.8 % and 63.2 % administered Ibuprofen and Paracetamol to children under five. Additionally, 20.3 % alternated between these medications. Syrup emerged as the preferred mode of administration, with prominent parental involvement in dosage determination. Factors influencing medication choices included efficacy, safety profile, age, weight, ease of administration, and healthcare provider recommendations.

Conclusion: The prevalence of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol usage for pediatric fever management varies significantly. Parental involvement is prominent, guided by factors like efficacy and healthcare provider recommendations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informed decision-making and optimizing pediatric medication practices.

Implications to practice: This review highlights the importance of enhancing parental education on antipyretic use, emphasizing safe dosage practices and clear communication with healthcare providers. Healthcare professionals should address misconceptions and provide tailored guidance, fostering more effective and safer fever management strategies for children.