Efektivitas Kompres Warm Water Tepid Sponge dan Plester Demam terhadap Penurunan Suhu Tubuh pada Anak Tahun 2024

Effectiveness of Warm Water Tepid Sponge and Fever-Cooling Plaster in Reducing Body Temperature in Children in 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Fever is common in children, and physical cooling methods are frequently used to improve comfort. Evidence comparing whole-skin warm water tepid sponge with localized fever-cooling plaster remains limited. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of warm water tepid sponge and fever-cooling plaster in reducing body temperature among febrile children. Methods: A two-group quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design included 60 children aged 1-5 years, with 30 participants per group. Both groups received standard antipyretic care. Axillary temperature was measured at baseline, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes. Paired and independent t tests were applied. Results: Baseline temperatures were comparable (38.69 degrees C vs 38.66 degrees C; p=0.773). At 60 minutes, mean temperature decreased to 37.62 degrees C in the warm water tepid sponge group and 38.05 degrees C in the plaster group. The mean reductions were 1.07 degrees C and 0.61 degrees C, respectively, with a between-group difference of 0.46 degrees C (95% CI 0.31-0.61; p<0.001; Cohen's d=1.61). Conclusion: Warm water tepid sponge produced a larger short-term temperature reduction than fever-cooling plaster, while clinical assessment and child comfort should remain the primary goals of fever care.