“Fever Phobia” in Primary Care: Current Knowledge and Educational Strategies — A Narrative Literature Review
Marie AUTHIER, Marie-Eve LAVOIE, Colandte DUFRESNE-TASSÉ and Marie-Thérèse LUSSIER
Fever phobia (FP), defined as parents’ disproportionate fear of their child’s fever, leads to inappropriate behaviours and persists despite medical progress and increasing access to health information.To provide an updated overview of current knowledge on FP and to identify effective educational strategies for managing it in primary care through a narrative literature review.A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search equations targeted studies addressing FP among parents and healthcare providers caring for children aged 0–18 years, as well as educational interventions related to fever management in primary care. Eligible articles were open-access, written in English or French, and published between 2014 and 2025. All included studies underwent a risk-of-bias assessment.The search identified 745 articles, of which 49 met eligibility criteria. Among these, 30 focused on parents, 7 on healthcare professionals, and 10 on both groups. Lack of knowledge as a key driver of FP was reported in 65% of studies, while misconceptions about fever appeared in 41%. Non-recommended prescribing and fever-management practices were noted in 51%. Low socioeconomic or educational level was identified as a risk factor in 18% of studies. Emotional factors contributing to FP were highlighted in 16%. Educational tools—such as brochures, videos, apps, or simulation—showed positive effects in 22% of studies, though their impact was strengthened when accompanied by a trusting relationship with the healthcare provider (reported in 16%). The central role of medical communication emerged clearly: 35% of studies emphasized the need for consistent messaging, and 29% highlighted gaps in healthcare providers’ training on fever management.Risk-of-bias analysis revealed an overall moderate to high risk, mainly related to selection bias (limited sample diversity) and outcome-reporting bias. These limitations reduce the generalizability of findings and underscore the need for more rigorous studies with comprehensive data reporting.FP is a complex, multicultural phenomenon, and changing deeply rooted beliefs and practices remains challenging. However, a multifaceted approach combining improved provider training, accessible educational tools, and targeted communication may help reduce parental anxiety. Given its close contact with families, primary care appears to be the most suitable setting for addressing FP effectively.
