Appropriate Treatment of Diarrhoea - Fluids

Dehydration is among the major diarrhoea-related risks. However, many caretakers mistakenly believe that children with diarrhoea should drink less. This indicator assesses the proportion of caretakers following correct practice.

Collect the following data by conducting individual interviews with a representative sample of the primary caretakers (mainly mothers). 

RECOMMENDED SURVEY QUESTION (Q) AND POSSIBLE ANSWERS (A)

(ask the question only if the child had diarrhoea in the last two weeks)

Q1: I would like to know how much [name of the child] was given to drink during the diarrhoea. This includes breastmilk [mention breastmilk only if the child is younger than 2 years], Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and other liquids given with medicine. During the time [name of the child] had diarrhoea, was s/he given nothing to drink, less than usual to drink, about the same amount, or more than usual?

A1:

1) nothing to drink

2) less to drink

3) about the same

4) more to drink

5) does not remember

Calculate the indicator's value by dividing the number of children who were given additional fluids by the total number of surveyed children and multiplying the result by 100.

1) Consider assessing also the percentage of children with diarrhoea who received: i) more fluids and correctly prepared ORS and ii) more fluids, correctly prepared ORS and the same or a higher amount of food (i.e. the most recommended treatment). 

2) This indicator relies on accurate age assessment. Since people often do not remember the exact dates of their children’s birth, the data collectors should always verify the child’s age. This can be done by reviewing the child’s birth certificate, vaccination card or another document; however, since many caregivers do not have such documents (and since they can include mistakes), it is essential that your data collectors are able to verify the child’s age by using local events calendars. Read FAO’s Guidelines (see below) to learn how to prepare local events calendars and how to train data collectors in their correct use.