Table 2 Number and percentages of correct answers by the students (n=1781) for definition, causes, signs/symptoms and treatment of diarrhea pre- and post-intervention

Watery stools three or more times a day

559(31)

1394(78)

793.049

<0.001

What are the causes of diarrhea in a community?

Open defecation

555(31)

1392(78)

793.049

<0.001

Not washing hands after defecation

664(37)

1433(80)

678.024

<0.001

Contaminated food/water

574(32)

1371(77)

726.991

<0.001

Germs

609(34)

1353(76)

634.505

<0.001

Flies

548(31)

1333(75)

691.9

<0.001

What are the symptoms/signs of severe illness in a child with diarrhea?

Sunken eyes

567(32)

1392(78)

761.119

<0.001

Slow skin pinch

489(27)

1362(76)

855.766

<0.001

Irritable child

607(34)

1412(79)

733.499

<0.001

Frequent vomiting

581(33)

1404(79)

764.517

<0.001

Difficulty in breastfeeding /eating

547(31)

1285(72)

599.143

<0.001

Dull or becoming unconsciousness

540(30)

1310(74)

690.514

<0.001

Blood in Stool

445(25)

1333(75)

890.25

<0.001

What treatment should be started on day one of diarrhea?

Both ORS and zinc

505(28)

1307(73)

721.175

<0.001

For how many days should the zinc tablets be taken?

Fourteen days

483(27)

1321(74)

786.704

<0.001

Should a child continue to breastfeed during diarrhea?

Yes

579(33)

1535(86)

1037.748

<0.001

How many steps are there for washing hands?

Seven

641(36)

1276(72)

464.478

<0.001