title: An assessment of the use of anthropometric measures for predicting low birth weight.
abstract: We report results of an evaluation of two anthropometric surrogates, viz chest circumference and mid-arm circumference, of birth weight. Optimal criteria for predicting birth weight below 2000 g and below 2500 g were provided by use of chest circumference alone. However, even the best criterion was not very sensitive indicating that use of anthropometric surrogates may have a limited practical value.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Muhimbili Medical Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ngowi
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Redding-Lallinger
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Hirji
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D013636:Tanzania