Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of a Sample of a Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Centers Toward Febrile Convulsion in Children Under 5 Years Old in Baghdad, Al-Resafa (2018)

Background: Febrile convulsions are common in children under five years of age and often cause significant fear and anxiety among parents. Insufficient parental knowledge may lead to inappropriate management during convulsive episodes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding febrile convulsions in children under five years of age and to identify the main sources of their information. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 200 mothers attending six primary health care centers in Al-Rusafa, Baghdad, from 17 January to 20 June 2018. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire after a pilot study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and p-values were applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Febrile convulsions were reported in 49 children, with males accounting for 76.5% of cases. Most mothers recognized fever as a risk factor for febrile convulsions (89.5% among mothers of affected children versus 83% among others). Awareness of the role of family history was also high (96.6% and 74.5%, respectively). Negative attitudes toward social stigma were common in both groups, while approximately one-fifth perceived febrile convulsions as life-threatening. Regarding practices, lowering body temperature was reported by 62.7% of mothers of affected children and 77.3% of those without affected children. Hospitals and primary health care centers were the main information sources for mothers of affected children, whereas relatives were the primary source for others. Conclusion: Family history and male sex were significant factors associated with febrile convulsions. Mothers demonstrated acceptable knowledge and attitudes but inadequate practices. Health facilities were the principal information sources, highlighting the importance of strengthening parental education on febrile convulsions.