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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Errors in anthropometric measurements in neonates and infants
D Harrison1, H Harker, H D Heese
1Carinus Nursing College, Groote Schuur Hospital.
Insights
Infant measurement accuracy in Cape Town is questionable. Studies reveal significant variations and inaccuracies in weight, length, and age assessments, highlighting a need for standardized methods and education to ensure reliable child health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Biomedical Measurement
Background:
- Previous surveys indicated potential inaccuracies in infant measurement methods in Cape Town.
- Variability in weight, length, and age assessment techniques raised concerns about reliable health monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess the accuracy of current infant measurement methods in Cape Town hospitals and clinics.
- To identify discrepancies in length, weight, and age measurements used for neonates and infants.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated three crown-heel length measurement tools: measuring board, mat, and tape measure.
- Compared infant weight differences based on clothing (naked, diaper only, fully clothed).
- Assessed age estimation accuracy using calendar dates versus an electronic calculator.
Main Results:
- Significant institutional variations in infant measurement techniques were observed.
- Many current measurement methods were found to be inaccurate.
- Discrepancies were noted across different measurement tools and clothing conditions.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for standardization and accuracy in infant measurements in Cape Town.
- Effective educational programs are essential to improve measurement accuracy.
- Accurate measurements are vital for effective monitoring of young children's health.
Abstract:
The accuracy of methods used in Cape Town hospitals and clinics for the measurement of weight, length and age in neonates and infants became suspect during a survey of 12 local authority and 5 private sector clinics in 1994-1995 (Harrison et al. 1998). A descriptive prospective study to determine the accuracy of these methods in neonates at four maternity hospitals [2 public and 2 private] and infants at four child health clinics of the Cape Town City Council was carried out. The main outcome measures were an assessment of three currently used methods namely to measure crown-heel length with a measuring board, a mat and a tape measure; a comparison of weight differences when an infant is fully clothed, naked and in napkin only; and the differences in age estimated by calendar dates and by a specially designed electronic calculator. The results showed that the current methods which are used to measure infants in Cape Town vary widely from one institution to another. Many measurements are inaccurate and there is a real need for uniformity and accuracy. This can only be implemented by an effective education program so as to ensure that accurate measurements are used in monitoring the health of young children in Cape Town and elsewhere.
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