Anthropometry

• Module No.


  Module 3
• Lesson Title


  Anthropometric Assessment
• Intended Learning Outcomes


  • describe dietary assessment and its objectives
  • describe the different methods for measuring food consumption at the national or community, household, and individual levels
  • discuss the various sources of measurement errors in dietary assessment
  • explain how calorie and nutrient intakes can be calculated and evaluated

  
• Targets/Objectives


  • Define anthropometric assessment and its relevant information linked to improving one's nutritional status
  • Describe and compare the different anthropometric indices
  • Evaluate measurement errors in anthropometry
• Anthropometry


  The measurement of the variations of the physical dimensions and gross compositions of the human body at different age levels and degrees of nutrition
• Uses of Anthropometry


  • To identify mild, moderate, severe states of malnutrition
  • To identify individuals and populations at risk to malnutrition
  • To evaluate changes in nutritional status over time
  • To serve as proxy indicators of constraints to human welfare
  • To monitor nutritional problems
  • To evaluate the impact of interventions designed to enhance nutrition, health, economic and/or environmental factors
• Advantages of Anthropometry


  • Procedures may be used at the bedside, as well as in large sample sizes
  • Methods can be precise and accurate if standardized techniques are used
  • Generates historical information of nutritional status
  • Procedures identify malnutrition status along a continuum of mild to severe
  • Can screen for individuals and/or population groups at risk of malnutrition
  • Methods can be used to evaluate changes in nutritional status over time
• Limitations of Anthropometry


  • Insensitive method over short periods of time
  • Unable to detect specific nutrient deficiencies
  • Unable to differentiate changes in growth or body composition as may be induced by specific nutrients
  • Can be affected by non-nutritional factors if not taken into account, thus reducing specificity and sensitivity of anthropometric measurements
• Types of anthropometric measurements

  • Growth measurements
  • Body composition measurements
• Growth measurements


  • Head circumference (HC)
  • Recumbent length
  • Height
  • Knee height
  • Weight
  • Elbow breadth
• Body composition measurements


  • Fat (skinfold thickness)
  • Fat-free mass (mid-upper-arm muscle circumference)
• Head circumference


  The head circumference of a young child during the first year of life is known to increase rapidly, and slows down by the age of 36 months. Such pattern of growth makes head circumference measurement an important screening procedure in detecting head and brain growth abnormalities among children up to three years old.
• Recumbent length


  Recumbent length is generally applicable to children with age less than two years, or between 24 to 36 months of age who cannot stand erectly without assistance. As an index of chronic nutritional status, length can indicate stunting of a child's full growth potential.
• Height


  Height/length refers to the measurement of both total stature and trunk length, which has four components namely: legs, spine and skull. Standing height is measured for subjects who are 2 years old and above using a microtoise attached to a smooth flat surface while recumbent length is measured for children less than 2 years old (0-23 months old) using an infantometer.
• Knee height


  An alternative way of measuring height is through the knee height, which is said to be correlated with stature. Knee height caliper consists of an adjustable, measuring stick with a blade attached to each end of a 90o angle. This device is most useful among adults who are unable to stand, with severe spinal curvature or other skeletal deformities.
• Arm Span


  Arm span is another alternative measurement when actual height cannot be taken. Arm span is also correlated with stature, and most useful when assessing retrospective stature at young adulthood prior to age-associated loss in stature.
• Weight


  Weight refers to the total or exact amount of heaviness of an individual, mainly made up of muscles, fat, bone and internal organs. Different equipments are used depending on appropriate age.
• Low birth weight


  Low birth weight has been defined by WHO as weight at birth of <2500 grams (5.5 pounds). At population level, the proportion of infants with a low birth weight is an indicator of a multifaceted public health problem that includes long- term maternal malnutrition, ill health, hard work and poor health care in pregnancy.