title: Better health data with a portable microcomputer at the periphery: an anthropometric survey in Cape Verde.
abstract: A portable microcomputer was programmed to record anthropometric nutritional data from children aged under 7 years in either a clinic or a population survey situation. An alarm sounds when the anthropometric measurements of a child are below a predetermined value; an immediate check thus avoids the need for subsequent data cleaning and discarding of doubtful information. Data cut-off points in the computer can be adjusted to suit the survey or service needs of the situation. A print-out at the end of the clinic session provides immediate feedback for the staff and a record of the nutritional status of the group.In Cape Verde, 14 670 children attending clinics were surveyed; 26% were identified as stunted, 3% as wasted, and 1% as stunted and wasted. While a portable microcomputer can improve precision, speed and motivation, nutrition surveys still depend on accurate scales, careful measurements and competent staff.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Reitmaier
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dupret
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Cutting
mesh_terms: D000354:Africa, Western; D000886:Anthropometry; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003201:Computers; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008838:Microcomputers; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D009749:Nutrition Surveys