Recall errors in a weekly survey of diarrhoea in Guatemala: determining the optimal length of recall.
We measured the recall error, optimal recall length and factors associated with diarrhoea in a weekly survey. Data was taken from a year-long randomized controlled trial in which characteristics of diarrhoeal episodes were recorded weekly. We labelled the recall period as days 1-6; day 1 being the day before the visit. Recall error was the percentage difference between the number of episodes reported to begin on a particular day and the mean for days 1 and 2. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine associations. Recall error was 37% on day 3 and 51% on day 5. The error was less in younger children (by 10%), severe episodes (by 29%) and when blood was present in the stool (by 18%). Diarrhoea was underreported when the recall period extended beyond 2 days. Surveys that use longer recall periods risk underestimating diarrhoea incidence and selectively capturing more severe episodes.
Zafar
S N
SN
Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. zafar.nabeel@gmail.com
Luby
S P
SP
Mendoza
C
C
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006166:Guatemala / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards