A Qualitative Study of the Knowledge of Primary Schoolchildren about Illness Symptoms in Flanders

Abstract

Objective: Good physician-patient communication leads to better patient outcomes, but this is less evident when communicating with a child. This investigation aimed to describe primary school children’s perceptions of common illness symptoms in order to establish a baseline for healthcare communication with children.

Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured group interviews in ten primary school classes in Flanders, five in the second and five in the sixth year. The interview guide included questions about the definition, causes, symptoms, treatment, and dangerousness of fever, abdominal pain, and cough.

Results: Participants from the second and sixth years of primary education gave roughly the same answers. Sixth-year participants did have more specific knowledge and used more details, practical examples, and anecdotes. Second-year participants had more misconceptions, mostly influencing their ideas about the causes and dangers of illnesses.

Conclusion: Children do have quite elaborate ideas about fever, cough, and abdominal pain when asked to comment on symptoms, causes, treatments, and dangers. No major differences were found between second-year and sixth-year participants with respect to Piaget’s levels of cognitive development. Healthcare professionals working with children can and should consider children’s perceptions in their consultations to enhance the effectiveness of care.