What worries parents when their preschool children are acutely ill, and why: a qualitative study

摘要: Abstract Objective : To identify and explore parents9 concerns when young children become acutely ill. Design Qualitative study making use of semi-structured one to group interviews with parents preschool children. Setting Disadvantaged inner city community. Subjects 95 Results Fever, cough, the possibility meningitis were primary their became Parents9 reflected lay beliefs, interpretation medical knowledge, fears that child might die or be permanently harmed. Parents worried about failing recognise a serious problem. Concerns expressed within context keenly felt pressure, emphasising responsibility protect from harm. They grounded in two linked factors: sense personal control faced illness perceived threat posed by an illness. Conclusions Better understanding may promote effective communication between health professionals parents. Modification using appropriate information education acknowledge address means empowering Key messages fever, possi- bility meningitis, seri- ous problem what causes them more