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Appropriate Treatment of Diarrhoea - Food

Indicator Phrasing

% of children aged 8 - 23/ 59 months with diarrhoea in the last two weeks who were given the same amount of food or more food
See indicator in other languages

Indicator Phrasing

English: % of children aged 8 - 23/ 59 months with diarrhoea in the last two weeks who were given the same amount of food or more food

French: % d'enfants âgés de 8 à 23/59 mois souffrant de diarrhée au cours des deux dernières semaines et recevant la même quantité ou plus de nourriture

Portuguese: % de crianças com idades entre 8 - 23/59 meses com diarreia nas últimas duas semanas a quem foram dadas as mesmas quantidades de alimentos ou superiores

Czech: % dětí ve věku 8-23/ 59 měsíců trpících během uplynulých 2 týdnů průjmem, kterým byl během léčby podáván stejný nebo větší objem jídla

What is its purpose?

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 caregivers following the correct practice.

How to Collect and Analyse the Required Data

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

    

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

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

  

Q1When [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

    

To calculate the indicator's value, divide the number of children who were given the same amount of food or more food by the total number of surveyed children. Multiply the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage. 

Important Comments

1) Consider also assessing 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 an 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.

This guidance was prepared by People in Need ©

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