Anthropometric Surrogates for Screening of Low Birth Weight Newborns A Community-Based Study

Type Journal Article - Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
Title Anthropometric Surrogates for Screening of Low Birth Weight Newborns A Community-Based Study
Author(s)
Volume 24
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2012
Page numbers 343-351
URL http://aph.sagepub.com/content/24/2/343.short
Abstract
In developing countries, where about 75% of births occur at home or in the community, logistic problems prevent the weighing of every newborn child. This study compares various anthropometric surrogates for identification of low birth weight neonates. A longitudinal community based study was done in an urban resettlement colony and 283 singleton neonates within 7 days of birth were examined for the anthropometric measurements such as head, chest, mid upper arm circumference and foot length as a screening tool for low birth weight. Chest circumference measured within 7 days of birth appeared to be the most appropriate surrogate of low birth weight with highest sensitivity (75.4%), specificity (78.4%), and positive predictive value (48.9%) as compared with other anthropometric parameters. Low birth weight neonates in absence of weighing scales can be early identified by using simple anthropometric measurements for enhanced home-based care and timely referral.

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