Recall errors in a weekly survey of diarrhoea in Guatemala: determining the optimal length of recall
Document Type
Article
Department
Surgery
Abstract
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 I 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 I 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.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Epidemiology and Infection
Recommended Citation
Zafar, S.,
Luby, S.,
Mendoza, C.
(2010). Recall errors in a weekly survey of diarrhoea in Guatemala: determining the optimal length of recall. Epidemiology and Infection, 138(2), 264-269.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_surg_surg/70