Birth weight and anthropometry of newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between birth weight and the anthropometric measurements of newborn to screen for low birth weight. METHODS: 1,252 newborns have been enrolled in the study. The birth weight, mid-arm, head and chest circumferences were measured by standard techniques. RESULT: The highest correlation of birth weight was found with chest circumference (r = 0.70). The maximum sensitivity of detecting low birth weight was seen with chest circumference (94.26%). CONCLUSION: Measurement of chest circumference being simple, easy, cheap and reliable method for identification of low birth weight in the community.