APPLICATION OF WARM ONION COMPRESS TO REDUCE FEVER IN CHILDREN AFTER DPT IMMUNIZATION IN PANCURAN GADING VILLAGE

Abstract

Fever is the most common Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) in infants, particularly after the administration of the DPT vaccine. This condition can cause discomfort such as fussiness, restlessness, and disrupted activities; therefore, an effective and safe non-pharmacological intervention is needed. This study aims to determine the effect of warm red onion compresses on reducing body temperature in children experiencing fever after DPT immunization. The research design used a descriptive case study approach with two infant respondents who met the inclusion criteria: experiencing fever within the first 24 hours after immunization, not using antipyretics, and never having received warm red onion compress therapy before.

The first respondent was a 4-month-old female infant with an initial temperature of 38.5°C, while the second respondent was a 3-month-old female infant with an initial temperature of 38.8°C. The nursing diagnosis for both respondents was hyperthermia related to inflammatory response due to immunization, characterized by increased body temperature, fussiness, and discomfort. The intervention was carried out using warm red onion compresses for 20–30 minutes, twice a day, for three days. The results showed a decrease in body temperature to 37.4°C in the first respondent and 37.5°C in the second respondent after the intervention, along with reduced fussiness and improved comfort.

The findings indicate that warm red onion compresses are effective in reducing body temperature in children after DPT immunization and can serve as an alternative non-pharmacological therapy for managing AEFI. This method is also considered practical, safe, and applicable for families to use at home.