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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Anthropometric surrogates for screening of low birth weight newborns: a community-based study
Neeti Rustagi1, J G Prasuna, D K Taneja
1Maulana Azad Medical College, Rajender Nagar, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. drneeti2003@gmail.com
Insights
Chest circumference is a reliable surrogate for identifying low birth weight neonates when weighing scales are unavailable. This simple anthropometric measurement aids early detection for improved home-based care and timely referrals in developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Health
- Public Health
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Logistic challenges in developing countries limit routine weighing of newborns, with 75% of births occurring outside health facilities.
- Accurate identification of low birth weight (LBW) neonates is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate various anthropometric measurements as surrogates for identifying low birth weight neonates in community settings.
- To determine the most effective anthropometric screening tool for LBW in resource-limited environments.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal, community-based study involving 283 singleton neonates within 7 days of birth.
- Measurements included head circumference, chest circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, and foot length.
- Comparison of anthropometric parameters against actual birth weight to assess screening accuracy.
Main Results:
- Chest circumference demonstrated the highest accuracy as a surrogate for LBW.
- Sensitivity was 75.4%, specificity 78.4%, and positive predictive value 48.9% for chest circumference.
- Other anthropometric measurements showed lower efficacy compared to chest circumference.
Conclusions:
- Chest circumference is a practical and effective anthropometric surrogate for identifying low birth weight neonates in settings lacking weighing scales.
- Simple anthropometric measurements can facilitate early detection of LBW, enabling enhanced home-based care and timely referrals.
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.
