Appropriate Treatment of Diarrhoea - Recognition of Warning Signs

% of caregivers who can specify at least 3 situations when a child suffering from diarrhoea needs to be taken for treatment to a qualified health care provider

This indicator aims to measure how many caregivers know at least three key warning signs that mean a child's diarrhoea is too serious for home treatment and they need to be taken to a healthcare provider. Essentially, it checks if caregivers have the vital knowledge to know when to seek professional help for their child's diarrhoea.

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

  

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

Q1: Can you please tell me the danger signs that mean a child's diarrhoea is so serious that they need to be taken to a qualified health care provider for treatment?

A1: _

1) the child has blood in their stool

2) the child’s stool resembles white water

3) the child has a fever

4) the child does not drink as much fluid as usual or shows signs of dehydration (e.g., lethargy, sunken eyes, reduced urination).

5) the diarrhoea lasts for 4 or more days

6) (if old enough) the child complains about severe pain in the abdomen or rectum

7) other: .....................

8) I don't know

 

NOTE: Encourage the data collectors to probe for further explanation if the respondent provides only a limited response (for example, by asking: "Do you know about any other danger signs?").

   

To calculate the indicator's value, divide the number of caregivers who could specify at least 3 danger signs that indicate a child suffering from diarrhoea needs to be taken for treatment to a qualified health care provider by the total number of interviewed caregivers. Multiply the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage.

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