KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF MOTHERS TOWARD FEBRILE CONVULSION IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OLD AT AL-IMMAMEIN AL-KADHIMEIN MEDICAL CITY/ BAGHDAD

Background: Febrile convulsion is the most common seizure in children under five, usually precipitated by fever without CNS infection. It typically presents with generalized tonic–clonic movements and transient loss of consciousness. The diagnosis of febrile convulsion is clinical, based on history and physical examination, with exclusion of intracranial and metabolic causes. Although benign and self-limiting, its sudden onset can be a frightening experience for parents. Aims 1. To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of mothers toward febrile convulsion in children under five years in Al-Immamein Al-Kadhimein Medical City. 2. To assess the association between mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practices and their sociodemographic data. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 300 mothers who have children under five years at Al-Immamein Al-Kadhimein Medical City in Baghdad, Iraq, from 1st February to 30th July 2025. They were selected through random sampling and interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge, signs and symptoms, beliefs and attitudes, and practices regarding febrile convulsion. Result: Among the 300 participating mothers, 41.3% were aged 21–30 years. Regarding knowledge of febrile convulsion, 63% correctly identified that controlling fever is essential to prevent convulsions, and 54.7% knew that recurrent fever does not increase the risk. The highest incorrect responses were related to the necessity of EEG or CT scan (90%) and the need for medications in every child (83%). Knowledge was significantly higher among mothers aged >40 years, highly educated, those whose child had experienced febrile convulsion, and those with a family history of febrile convulsion. Relatives and friends were the most reported source of information (70%), followed by doctors and medical staff (41.7%). In terms of attitude, 90% agreed that children with febrile convulsion need more attention and care, and 80% believed in taking the child’s temperature frequently during illness. Regarding practice, 66.3% reported lowering the child’s body temperature, and 34.7% ensured placing the child on a soft and safe surface during convulsions. Good practice scores were significantly higher among highly educated mothers and those with a family history of febrile convulsion. Conclusion: The study has shown that most mothers had fair knowledge, neutral attitude, and fair practice regarding febrile convulsions, highlighting the need for educational and awareness programs to improve mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices, especially targeting those with lower education or no prior experience with febrile convulsions.