Background: Maternal knowledge, perception, and attitude play a crucial role in the effective management of childhood febrile illnesses, as mothers are the primary caregivers. Understanding their recognition and response to fever underscores the need for maternal education to ensure timely and appropriate care, thereby improving child health outcomes.

Objective: The aim is to assess maternal perceptions on the home management of childhood fever, focusing on their understanding and practices in addressing febrile illness in children. 

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Outpatient Department (OPD) of CMH Ramu, Ramu Cantonment, from April 2024 to July 2024 on 350 mothers attending with a feverish child under twelve years.

Results: In our study, 60% of mothers used their hands to measure their child's body temperature, with the armpit being the preferred site while using thermometer. The definition of fever varied among mothers, ranging from ≥98°F to 102°F. A large proportion, 86%, were unaware of the proper dosing and frequency of Paracetamol, while 90% consulted a doctor before administering any antipyretic. The oral route was favored by 89% of mothers for antipyretic administration, and 14% relied on traditional methods. Paracetamol was the most commonly used antipyretic in 91% of cases, while 51% of mothers preferred antibiotics at the onset of fever to prevent its progression. Cefixime was the most frequently selected antibiotic (44.4%), followed by Azithromycin (30.6%) and other options.

Conclusions: Misconceptions about the management of febrile children are widespread among mothers in Bangladesh, leading to unnecessary concern and an increased burden on healthcare facilities. It is imperative to strengthen their understanding and awareness in order to provide better care and alleviate the burden.

Nure Ishrat Nazme has completed a fellowship in paediatrics from the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is the head of paediatrics, Combined Military Hospital, Ramu Cantonment, Cox's Bazar. She is focused on working in the infectious diseases, critical care and cardiology of paediatric field. She has around twenty publications that are being cited over 50 times. She has been serving as an editorial board member of several reputed journals.