The effectiveness of a WhatsApp-based educational intervention aimed at improving mothers' fever management: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to determine the effect of WhatsApp-based education on mothers' knowledge, attitude and practices regarding fever management at home. Method The study was conducted using a randomized controlled experimental design. It included 64 mothers (32 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group) who met the inclusion criteria. The intervention group received online fever management education via WhatsApp messages. Data were collected using the “Mother and Child Information Form”, “Parent Fever Management Scale”, “Fever Management Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Questionnaire” and “E-Health Literacy Scale.” Two-way mixed-design ANOVA was used to examine group, time, and group × time interactions. Results The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher scores compared to the control group, with the intervention having a large effect on fever management ( p < 0.001, η2 = 0.320), fever knowledge, attitude and practice level (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.585), and e-health literacy level (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.215). Conclusion Online fever management education delivered via WhatsApp messages is effective in reducing mothers' fever-related care burdens, increasing fever knowledge, attitude and practice levels, and improving e-health literacy levels. Practice implications Educational content shared via WhatsApp, a widely used application, is easily accessible. These resources can be used by pediatric nurses in clinics as short and effective educational materials for mothers. The clinical trial registration number is NCT07061327 .