Development of a Caregiver Gastroenteritis Knowledge Questionnaire

Objective

Because caregiver knowledge deficiencies are associated with the development of dehydration and nonurgent emergency department visits, we sought to develop and describe the characteristics of a Caregiver Gastroenteritis Knowledge Questionnaire.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, associational analysis with a questionnaire consisting of 38 true/false questions covering signs of dehydration, indications to see a physician, oral rehydration therapy, solid intake and refeeding, medication use, and disease transmission. After completing initial validation procedures, 80 caregivers of children with gastroenteritis, 25 nurses, and 22 pediatric emergency medicine physicians completed the questionnaire.

Results

Content validity was confirmed qualitatively. Construct validity was demonstrated by incremental increases (P < .001) in mean total scores from caregivers to nurses to physicians. Multiple regression analysis revealed the reported number of prior visits for gastroenteritis was inversely associated with overall caregiver score (beta coefficient, −0.26; 95% confidence interval, −3.04, −0.28; P = .02). Internal consistency was demonstrated with a Cronbach's α of 0.67 at time 0.

Conclusions

The Caregiver Gastroenteritis Knowledge Questionnaire may have application in identifying knowledge gaps in gastroenteritis management and measuring improvement following educational interventions. Future uses may focus on individual knowledge deficits or serve to document larger community educational needs.

Key Words: dehydration, diarrhea, questionnaire, vomiting