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  • Title: Evaluation of anthropometric indices of malnutrition in under five children.
    Author: Mohanan P, Kamath A, Motha B, Philip M.
    Journal: Indian J Public Health; 1994; 38(3):91-4. PubMed ID: 7774975.
    Abstract:
    Anthropometric indices in the assessment of malnutrition in under five children are being indiscriminately used especially when a community based survey is conducted and so the estimated prevalence of malnutrition varies in different methods. In this study a comparison of these common anthropometric measurements is done in order to find out the best method suitable for individual assessment of malnutrition. The evaluation technique discussed in this paper consists of comparison of the efficiency of various anthropometric measurements in detecting malnutrition and was judged in terms of specificity, sensitivity and predictive value. The test is most efficient when the sensitivity and specificity attain unity. In this study it is shown that weight for age and Body Mass Index (BMI) attain higher value of delta [delta = 1-(alpha + beta)], where - alpha is false positive value and beta is false negative value) and low value of delta standard error of which proves that the best method of assessing malnutrition using various anthropometric measurements is weight for age as against body mass index. When attempting to improve the nutritional status of infants and children, an appropriate, reliable, and consistent measurement tool is needed. Anthropometric indices are, however, used indiscriminately when assessing malnutrition in children under five years old, especially when community-based surveys are concerned. The estimated prevalence of malnutrition therefore varies between methods. The authors compare common anthropometric measurements in an effort to determine which is the most suitable for the individual assessment of malnutrition. The efficiencies of anthropometric measurements in detecting malnutrition were compared on the basis of specificity, sensitivity, and predictive value. The test is most efficient when sensitivity and specificity attain unity. Weight, height, age, and mid-arm circumference measurements were taken for 163 children aged 5-60 months in a standard manner as recommended by Jelliffe. The data were extracted from a baseline survey conducted by the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. The entire population of preschool children in the selected area was surveyed. The study identified using weight for age against body mass index as the best method of assessing malnutrition among various anthropometric measurements.
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