Social Media Analyses to Capture the Signs and Impacts of Fever Symptoms in Infants and Young Children

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Current efforts to tackle the challenges associated with managing child fevers have focused on developing an observer-report (ObsRO), the Paediatric Fever Distress Index (PFDI), which allows parents and caregivers the means to accurately recognize and treat child fevers. To further develop the PFDI, this study utilized online forums to evaluate parent-reported causes and symptoms of fever, the impact of these fevers on both children and parents, and to understand the means of parental management and diagnosis of child fevers. Methods Through analysis of social media and selected posts from the parental forum website Mumsnet.com, this study used natural language processing methods and a qualitative analytical approach to identify and analyze key themes relating to the study objectives in users’ posts. Results Gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms were among the most frequently reported impacts of fever, whereas common causes were reported as vaccinations and viral infections. Approximately, half the parents and caregivers reported managing fever with antipyretic medication. Other parents and caregivers reported a significant emotional impact, feeling worried, scared, and panicked about their child’s fever. Conclusion This explorative study identified social media forums as being a rich source of information regarding parental behaviors and attitudes towards the identification and management of child fevers. Parental behaviors were varied, yet certain knowledge gaps identified the need for further education and future research into the management of fevers in children.