Anthropometry in health assessment: the importance of measurement error

Anthropometry is the hallmark technique of biological anthropology, and has become increasingly important in health assessments across this century. Although the need for accurate anthropometric measurement has been repeatedly stressed, the ways in which measurement error can influence the characteristics of anthropometric data is poorly appreciated. In this article, guidelines for acceptable measurement error are examined critically, and in light of repeat measurements data collected by the two authors on adults in Papua New Guinea.