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| Authors | L M Azzopardi A Serracino Inglott M Zarb Adami G Mallia |
| Abstract | Aim: To develop a diary card to be used by parents to record the occurrence and perceived severity of colic. Method: The diary card was developed to reflect occurrence of colic (time and duration) over a 14-day period, perceived severity (using a Likert scale from 1 to 5) and interventions undertaken. An information sheet on the use of the diary card was also prepared. The diary card was evaluated by a group of experts (5) and subsequently presented to 90 mothers discharged after normal delivery during a 2-month period. Results: Out of the 90 diary cards handed out, 29 (32%) diary cards were returned. Of these, 8 cases stopped filling the diary card because dietary intervention resulted in the management of the condition. For the remaining 21 cases, none of the infants had an average daily crying of more than 3 hours per day which is the criterion used to define occurrence of severe colic. The average crying time per day was 45 minutes occurring mostly between 2pm and 10pm (13 cases, 62%). The average severity rated by parents was 3 indicating a moderate severity. A change to low-lactose or soya-based milk was effected in 11 cases (52%) with 4 cases (36%) reporting an improvement in crying spells. Conclusion: The completed diary card could be used by the practitioner to compile information on the occurrence of the condition and on the outcomes of recommended dietary and lifestyle modifications. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | diary card, infant colic |