Parents' Awareness and Management of Pediatric Patients with Dengue

Abstract: Dengue remains a major public health concern, particularly among children, who are more vulnerable to severe complications. This study examined parents’ awareness and management of pediatric dengue cases in Central Philippines during the first quarter of 2025. Using a descriptive research design, data were gathered from 185 parents of pediatric dengue patients, selected through purposive sampling from outpatient and inpatient records. A self-made survey instrument assessed their awareness and management practices. Findings revealed that most respondents were aged 30 and older, had a high school education, and had larger household sizes, which influenced healthcare decisions. Parents’ awareness of dengue risk factors was moderate, with the lowest understanding regarding the increased risk of severe dengue after prior infection. Parents’ engagement in dengue management was also moderate, with minimal participation in awareness programs. Older parents demonstrated greater awareness of disease transmission, while engagement in management practices showed no significant differences based on age, education, or family size. Notably, parents’ awareness did not directly influence dengue management, suggesting that external factors, such as healthcare access and medical guidance, play a more critical role. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve parents’ awareness and engagement including enhanced hospital-led education programs, community-driven dengue prevention initiatives, gamified incentive systems, and policy improvements to strengthen healthcare accessibility and parents’ participation in dengue management. Keywords: Dengue management, parental awareness, pediatric dengue care