Table 1 Definitions used by the fieldworkers and mothers in assessing illness among study children
Symptom/illness | Definition | Duration | Time interval for a new episode |
|---|---|---|---|
Diarrhoea | Three or more watery stools per day or a change in number or consistency reported by the mother and which she considers indicative of diarrhoea | ≥1 day | 48 hrs after cessation of the previous episode |
Fever | Increased temperature of the body as perceived by primary caregiver | ≥2 days | 72 hrs after cessation of the previous episode |
Cough/cold | Cough/runny nose with or without fever | ≥5 days | 72 hrs after cessation of the previous episode |