Validity of anthropometric equations to predict the body weight of school children of moderate altitude.

Abstract

Objective: Validate anthropometric regression equations to predict the body weight of children of both genders who live at a moderate altitude of 6 to 11 years.

Material and Methods: We studied 796 children of both sexes, being 402 girls (14.2%) and 394 boys (14.1%). The students studied lived at moderate altitude (2320msnm) from Peru (Arequipa). Age, body weight, height, chest circumference, relaxed arm and middle calf were evaluated. The process of validation of the equations was carried out by criterion validity (crossed). The results were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics to verify the agreement between the predicted equations, the Plot of Bland and Altman with a 95% confidence interval was used.

Results: High correlation values ??between age and anthropometric variables were determined. Age, height, circumference of the thorax, calf and relaxed arm showed to be good predictors of body weight in both age groups (6-8 years and 9-11 years) and genders. Through the multiple regressions, three mathematical models were obtained for each age group and gender. The prediction percentages of adjusted R2 show values ??between 61% to 81% in girls and 76% to 88% in boys.

Conclusion: The body weight of school children of moderate altitude can be inferred by means of anthropometric equations, limiting their applicability to precarious and emergency conditions, especially in marginal and rural areas where there is no adequate instrument for anthropometric evaluation.

Key words: Body weight, validity, equations, children, altitude.