Appropriate Treatment of Diarrhoea - Food

Diarrhoea increases the risk of a child becoming malnourished. It is therefore important that the usual feeding is continued (and increased during recovery). 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: When [name of the child] had diarrhoea during the last two weeks, was s/he given no food, less food than usual, about the same amount of food, or more food than usual?

A1:

1) no food

2) less food

3) about the same amount of food

4) more food

5) does not remember

Calculate the indicator's value by dividing the number of children who were given the same amount of food or more food by the total number of surveyed children and multiplying the result by 100.

1) Consider assessing also how many children with diarrhoea received the same amount or more food, more fluids and correctly prepared ORS (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.