The main objectives of the survey were:

• 1. to generate baseline estimates for prevalence of diarrhea among under 5 children, 
• 2. treatment rate of diarrhea with ORT, and 
• 3. parents’ knowledge of ORT, and to estimate under-five child mortality rate in Bangladesh.

The study had a complex design and a voluminous workload involving interviews of about 18,000 respondents, administering 4 schedules and 5 modules.

On a competitive bid, Mitra and Associates was awarded the study contract by SMP and Johns Hopkins University.