Evaluation of Anthropometric Measurements&#039; Accuracy in Rapid Identificaton of Low Birth Weight Neonates

Gillian Louanne  I. Jarillas,; Romelyn  Sy,; Carina  C. Quimbo,

Evaluation of Anthropometric Measurements' Accuracy in Rapid Identificaton of Low Birth Weight Neonates

Gillian Louanne I. Jarillas | Romelyn Sy | Carina C. Quimbo

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the most accurate anthropometric measurement that can be used to identify low birth weight. DESIGN Cross-sectional study SETTING Two tertiary hospitals PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS This study included neonates born and admitted in the participating hospitals from April 2011 to September 2011. Stratification of sample was done to ensure proper representation of all types of birth weight (normal, low, and very low). Data including birth weight, circumferences of the head, chest, and mid-arm were collected. 20 percent of the samples had duplicate measurements for assessment of test repeatability. Pearson correlation, coefficient of variance between duplicate measurements, and receiver operating curves (ROC) were done to investigate which anthropometric measurement can best estimate birth weight. RESULT Chest circumference has the highest correration with weight based on Pearson correlation. Chest circumference has the lowest coefficient of variation during repeated measurements. Also, the ROC revealed that chest circumference has the best compromise between sensitivity and specificity in predicting birth weight. Using a linear regression equation derived from the data, a tool that can approximate birth weight was designed. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Chest circumference is a potentially useful surrogate measurement for the weight of neonates delivered athome. This can be used by traditional birth attendants and midwives who attend to home births. Validation of the designed tape measure in another sample population, preferrably in a community setting and carried out by midwives and TBAs themselves is recommended.

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