Monitoring the safety of sugar - salt solutions prepared in the home : a sample protocol

Many national programs have encouraged mothers to use sugar salt solution (SSS) to prevent and treat mild dehydration in children. This policy is attractive because the solution can be prepared from products usually available in the home, thereby avoiding dependence on a distribution system. Unfortunately, many studies have shown that significant errors frequently occur in the preparation of sugar salt solution. Three separate measurements (of sugar,salt, and water) are required, creating many opportunities for error. Therefore, programs that promote SSS need a simple methodology for monitoring the safety of solutions prepared in the home. This document provides a step by step guide for conducting a household survey to determine the safety of SSS prepared by mothers with previous knowledge of the intervention. It is based on interviews with caretakers, on the direct observation of mothers" practices in SSS preparation, and on quantitative measurements of ingredients and containers. The methodology enables managers to decide whether the current communication/education strategy regarding the preparation of SSS has worked well. (Author abstract)