EFFECT OF FEVER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COMBINED WITH PARACETAMOL AND TEPID SPONGING TILIACORA EXTRACT ON BODY TEMPERATURE OF PRESCHOOLERS

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine examine the effects of a fever management program combined with paracetamol and tepid sponging Tiliacora extract on the body temperature of preschoolers. The sample consisted of 30 children with fever from upper respiratory tract infections, divided equally into an intervention group receiving the program and a control group receiving routine nursing care. Research instruments included the fever management program, a personal data form, and a body temperature recording form, all validated for content by five experts. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and one-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction.                                                                                                  

The results showed significant differences in mean body temperature between the intervention and control groups at the immediate, 30-minute, and 60-minute post-intervention measurements (p < .05). Both groups demonstrated a reduction in temperature immediately after the intervention (37.5°C); however, no additional reduction was observed at 30 or 60 minutes. Pairwise comparison indicated significant differences at all time points compared with baseline (p < .0125), except between the 30- and 60-minute post-sponging intervals.

These findings suggest that both methods reduce fever effectively only in the short term. A single episode of tepid sponging combined with paracetamol was insufficient for sustained fever control, indicating the need for continued temperature monitoring and repeated sponging when necessary.