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Exponential model for weight using 'RJ index'
A Rajeev1, A Kamath, M S Kotian
1Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore.
Insights
A new RJ index, derived from mid-upper arm circumference and height, accurately estimates preschool children's weight. This simple anthropometric tool offers a significant advancement for nutritional assessment in community health surveys.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Community Medicine
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Accurate weight estimation is crucial for assessing the nutritional status of preschool children.
- Traditional methods may be cumbersome in large-scale community health surveys.
- Exploring novel anthropometric indices can improve screening efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new index (RJ index) for estimating the weight of preschool children.
- To assess the correlation between the proposed RJ index and weight-for-age.
- To establish a predictive model for weight based on the RJ index.
Main Methods:
- Screened 204 children aged 3 months to 5 years and 3 months.
- Developed the RJ index: Mid-upper Arm Circumference x (Height)^2 x 10^-4.
- Correlated the RJ index with weight-for-age using statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- A highly significant correlation (r = 0.8, P < 0.001) was found between the RJ index and weight-for-age.
- The proposed model Weight = A x exp (RJ x B) demonstrated a good fit with the collected data.
- The RJ index shows promise as a reliable tool for weight estimation.
Conclusions:
- The RJ index, utilizing mid-upper arm circumference and height, is a significant and valid tool for estimating preschool children's weight.
- This anthropometric index offers a practical alternative for weight assessment in community-based child health programs.
- Further validation in diverse populations is recommended to establish its widespread utility.
Abstract:
We screened a sample of 204 children between the age of 3 months to 5 years and 3 months were during a general health survey conducted by the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore from March 1992 to December 1993 at Kumpala village under PHC Ullal about 10 kms from Mangalore City. We developed a new index RJ as RJ = Mid upper Arm Circumference x (Height)2 x 10(-4) and tested the correlation of RJ index and weight for age. We found the correlation coefficient (r = 0.8) to be very significant (P < 0.001). Thus we propose the model as Weight = A x exp (RJ x B). We found that the available data fit in this model. We hope that this study will be a new step in looking at arm circumference as a tool in estimating weight of pre-school children.