Association between the delay in seeking medical attention and the severity of fever in children entering the emergency service Original Research

Abstract

Introduction: Delay in seeking medical attention (DSMA) is defined as a time greater than 48 hours before consulting a professional that can influence the severity of pediatric illnesses.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, structured interviews were conducted on caretakers of children who came into the Baca Ortiz Hospital emergency room with a fever. The patient health status was verified five days later through a telephone call. Variables included demographic, time of care, and condition severity. Chi-square test and relative risk (RR) were used to find the relationship between these variables.

Results: 304 patients were included in this study, 41.1% presented DSMA. The leading cause of DSMA was due to the administration of medication without a prescription in 48% and the lack of detection of alarm signs in 26.4%. Patients with DSMA had a higher risk of requiring hospitalization RR 1.88; (95% CI 1.53-2.13), intensive care RR 2.86; (95% CI 1.00 - 8.17), presenting a severe bacterial infection RR 2.36; (95% CI 1.81 - 3.07), systemic inflammatory response syndrome RR 2.47; (95% CI 1.80 - 3.38), hospitalization on the fifth day after evaluation RR 2.63; (95% CI 1.94 - 3.57), and remaining hospitalized for more than five days RR 1.46; (95% CI 1.15 - 1.85).

Conclusions: DSMA significantly influences the severity of children with fevers, and the administration of medication without a medical prescription was determined to be the leading cause.