Awareness of the Causes and Prevention of Diarrhoea

Output

% of respondents who know at least three of the main causes of diarrhoea and three ways to prevent diarrhoea

The indicator assesses the extent to which the target population is aware of at least three causes of diarrhoea and three ways to prevent diarrhoea. It is commonly used for measuring the immediate results of hygiene promotion activities.

Collect the following data by conducting individual interviews with a representative sample of your target group members:

   

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

Q1: Can you please tell me some ways a person can get diarrhoea?

A1: (Do NOT read these options aloud. Mark all mentioned by the respondent. Keep probing: What other ways do you know?)

1) drinking unsafe / contaminated water

2) eating contaminated / spoiled food

3) having dirty hands / poor hand hygiene

4) flies contaminating food

5) unsafe disposal of faeces (human or animal)

6) using unclean utensils / dishes

7) does not know

8) other - specify: ............................

 

Q2: Can you please tell me how a person can protect themselves from getting diarrhoea?

A2: (Do NOT read these options aloud. Mark all mentioned by the respondent. Keep probing: What other ways do you know?)

1) washing hands with soap at critical moments

2) drinking only safe / treated water

3) properly cooking/reheating food

4) protecting food from flies and pests

5) washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating / cooking

6) using an improved latrine

7) disposing of a child's faeces safely

8) maintaining good personal and household hygiene

9) does not know

10) other - specify: ............................

   

NOTE: Ensure that the data collectors do not read the pre-defined answers.

   

To calculate the indicator's value, divide the number of respondents who knew at least three causes of diarrhoea and three ways to prevent diarrhoea by the total number of respondents. Multiply the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage. 

Disaggregate the data by gender and age groups. Additionally, report on how many respondents were aware of the different causes of diarrhoea and the different ways to prevent it.

1) Consider raising the bar for the indicator to require awareness of more than three causes of diarrhoea and/or more than three prevention methods, if the local context allows.

2) Report separately also on the proportion of respondents aware of:

- at least three causes of diarrhoea

- at least three ways to prevent diarrhoea