Comparison of the Effectiveness of Warm Compresses Applied to the Axillary Area and Inguinal Region in Reducing Fever in Children with Acute Respiratory Infections
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Fever is frequently observed in children with acute respiratory infections (ARI) and requires appropriate management to maintain comfort and prevent complications. Warm compresses are commonly used as a non-pharmacological measure, but the effect may vary according to the body site where the compress is applied. This study compared the effect of warm compresses applied to the axillary and inguinal regions on body temperature in children with ARI. Seventy children with ARI and fever were recruited through purposive sampling and assigned to two groups in a quasi-experimental study. Thirty-five children received a warm compress in the axillary area, while 35 received the same intervention in the inguinal area. Body temperature was recorded before and after the intervention with a standardized thermometer. In the axillary group, mean temperature decreased from 38.6 ± 0.5°C to 37.5 ± 0.4°C. In the inguinal group, the corresponding values were 38.7 ± 0.6°C and 37.2 ± 0.3°C. Paired Samples t-tests showed significant within-group reductions (p < 0.000). The Independent Samples t-test also showed a significant difference in temperature reduction between groups (p < 0.001). The mean reduction was 1.1°C in the axillary group and 1.5°C in the inguinal group. In this sample, the inguinal application produced the larger decrease in body temperature.
The inguinal group therefore showed a greater mean reduction in temperature than the axillary group. Body temperature was measured immediately before the intervention and five minutes after the 20-minute compress procedure using a standardized thermometer.
The difference between groups was statistically significant, suggesting that the location of warm-compress application was associated with the amount of temperature reduction observed in these children. The mean decrease was 1.1°C with axillary application and 1.5°C with inguinal application
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