Evaluation of the different methods of assessing nutritional deficiency in school children in field surveys

ABSTRACT

A cross sectional survey of 846 school children [467 males and 379 females] in the age range from six to nine years in Suez Canal area and Sinai, was done to assess the different methods used in detecting nutritional deficiency in this age group. Hydroxyproline index was proved to be sensitive, valid and reliable. It also correlated highly with the body mass index. Arm muscle area and other derived anthropometric values were invariably consistent, while biochemical and hematological studies showed no significant difference between the control, under - or overweight children. Clinical examination was of limited value in detecting malnutrition in school children