Multiple Aspects of Expanding the Accuracy of Axillary Temperature Measurement Methods

Background: The current study aimed to explore the importance of mother-child relationship and influencing factors regarding the acquisition of the correct axillary temperature measurement method. Methods: Participants were 236 university students. The students completed a first self-administered questionnaire and measured their axillary body temperature for one week. Following this, participants watched an educational video, measured their axillary temperature for an additional week, and completed a second self-administered questionnaire. In total, 102 participants completed both questionnaires and 84 of also completed two axillary temperature measurements. Results: The mean axillary temperature data increased after the intervention. Additionally, the “trust” and “dependence” components of the current mother-child relationship were significantly associated with the agreement of the body temperature measurement method utilized by the participants and their mothers. Regarding the body temperature measurement method, 75 participants reported that the problem in measuring body temperature was that the palm could not be kept facing upwards, with 43 responding that keeping the palm facing upwards should be emphasized in proper education on temperature measurement method. Conclusions: The current results imply that a mother’s health practices may influence the acquisition of children’s health behaviors among good mother-child relationships. Current mothers and those planning to care for children in the future should be targeted for fundamental health education. In addition, stressing “palm faces upwards” could be helpful for obtaining an accurate body temperature measurement. Moreover, watching instructional videos could be an effective tool for the education of proper technique.